Fakayejo Paul
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Just hours after the dramatic sacking of John Heitinga, AFC Ajax has reportedly made an immediate and sensational approach to their former, highly successful coach, Erik ten Hag, regarding a possible return to the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The Comeback Conversation
Reports from the Netherlands indicate that talks are already underway between the Ajax hierarchy and the former Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen boss.
The conversations are a clear signal of the club’s desire to reunite with the manager who guided them to three Eredivisie titles and a Champions League semi-final between 2017 and 2022.
- Urgency: Ajax is desperate to halt a catastrophic start to the season that has left them fourth in the Eredivisie and bottom of their Champions League group with zero points.
- The Approach: Ajax Technical Director Alex Kroes is believed to be driving the pursuit, having reportedly met with Ten Hag for an “extensive talk” just before Heitinga’s dismissal was confirmed.
Ten Hag Weighing Up Options
Ten Hag is currently without a club after his brief, ill-fated spell at Bayer Leverkusen ended in September. However, the 55-year-old is reportedly in no rush to take a new job and is carefully considering his next move.
- Wolves Interest Cooled: Sources confirm that while Ten Hag was briefly linked with the managerial vacancy at Wolverhampton Wanderers following the sacking of Vítor Pereira, talks did not advance significantly.
- Awaiting Decision: There is no final decision yet from Erik ten Hag, who is expected to fully assess the chaos he would inherit at Ajax before committing to a return. The club is hopeful of persuading him to take charge before the winter break.
The potential reunion has electrified the Dutch media and promises to be the biggest story in European management over the coming weeks, as one of Europe’s giants attempts to return to stability under their former leader.