Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is on the verge of returning to Ajax as head coach, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Merseyside club granted Heitinga, a key figure in Arne Slot’s backroom team, permission to enter advanced talks with the Dutch giants.
Heitinga has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Francesco Farioli, who departed after Ajax’s dismal collapse in the Eredivisie title race.
Talks between Heitinga and Ajax are reportedly progressing well, with Liverpool already exploring options to replace the highly-regarded coach if the move is completed.
Heitinga’s potential departure would be a notable blow for Liverpool, where he has quickly established himself as a vital part of Slot’s set-up since joining last summer.
His multilingual communication skills helped him work effectively with players. The former Netherlands international and Everton defender was also a mentor for Ryan Gravenberch.
Heitinga previously held an interim managerial role at Ajax in 2023 before joining David Moyes’s staff at West Ham United.
The 41-year-old won 14 of his 22 games in charge of the Armsterdammers (D3, L5).
Moyes, now back at Everton, spoke glowingly of Heitinga, while Slot actively headhunted him last year to join Liverpool.
Despite interest from West Bromwich Albion earlier this year, Heitinga remained committed to helping Liverpool chase silverware.
However, the allure of a full-time managerial position at his former club, where he remains a fan favourite, appears too strong to resist.
Liverpool will be reluctant to lose him, but can understand his ambitions.
Heitinga will need to rebuild an Ajax side damaged by their shameful capitulation in the Eredivisie title race.
He needs top-quality and experienced additions from the transfer market after Ajax’s poor dealings over the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will likely start looking for potential replacements.
The Reds could consider bringing back former Jurgen Klopp assistant Pepijn Lijnders, who is currently out of work.
