Liverpool coach John Heitinga in talks over Ajax managerial vacancy

May 28, 2025 1 min read
Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is a contender for the Ajax job (Mike Egerton/PA)
Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is a contender for the Ajax job (Mike Egerton/PA)

Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga has been given permission to speak to Ajax about their vacant head coach’s position.

The Amsterdam club’s collapse in the final month of the Eredivisie title race saw Francesco Farioli resign after just one season in charge.

Heitinga, who moved to Anfield with Arne Slot last summer, is a former Ajax player and youth team manager who spent five months in interim charge of the team from January 2023 before moving to West Ham to become his ex-Everton manager David Moyes’ assistant.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and assistant John Heitinga at a training session
John Heitinga was a key member of Arne Slot’s staff during their title-winning season but is wanted by Ajax to become their head coach (Peter Byrne/PA_

It is understood the club have agreed to let the 41-year-old former Everton and Fulham defender speak to Ajax.

Slot, when asked about the rumours of Ajax’s interest last week, said: “If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him.

“He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay one more season.”

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