Erik ten Hag Allegedly Turns Down Ajax for Alternative Endeavours

Erik ten Hag has turned down the opportunity to return to Ajax, as the Dutch manager has his sights set on “alternative plans,” according to reports from Dutch media.

Following Francesco Farioli’s decision to leave the Amsterdam club last Monday, citing “disagreements” with the executive board as justification for his exit after just one season, Ajax were left needing a new manager.

The 36-time Dutch champions acted swiftly, compiling a shortlist that included current Go Ahead Eagles manager Paul Simonis and their former chief, Erik ten Hag, who departed Ajax in 2022 to take the helm at Manchester United.

Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, confirmed he had reached out to Ten Hag following Ajax’s 2-0 victory over FC Twente on Sunday, though he refrained from stating whether Ten Hag was receptive to the idea of a reunion with the club where he garnered three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Bekers, one Johan Cruijff Schaal, and guided them to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League.

However, Dutch publication Voetbal International reported on Thursday that Ajax is no longer counting on Ten Hag, as he has chosen to pursue other ambitions. While he has remained without a managerial position since departing Manchester United in November, it is believed that Bayer Leverkusen has shown interest in him.