John Heitinga Set to Take Over as Ajax Head Coach

Ajax have agreed to appoint John Heitinga as their new head coach. He signed a two-year contract. The Dutch coach returns to Amsterdam after Liverpool allowed him to leave their coaching staff. Heitinga is joining Ajax at a key moment. The club needs rebuilding after a tough Eredivisie season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

John Heitinga was a first-team coach at Liverpool for the past year. Now, he will be Ajax‘s new head coach. Heitinga will return to Ajax with Marcel Keizer, another Dutch coach. The agreement extends Heitinga’s deal until 2027. The final paperwork is happening now, but no issues are expected. Heitinga was part of the Liverpool staff that won the Premier League this season.

AJAX’S CURRENT SITUATION

Ajax had a bad 2024/25 season. They finished in the middle of the Eredivisie table. The team missed out on the league title and Champions League qualification. Because of their inconsistency, Ajax’s leadership decided to change head coaches. They hope it will help the team return to the top. Heitinga has managed Ajax before, on an interim basis in 2023. That time, his leadership and tactics received praise.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR HEITINGA AND AJAX?

Heitinga and Keizer must build a stronger squad and bring Ajax back to being one of Europe’s top clubs. Their immediate focus is the summer transfer window and preparing for the new Eredivisie season. Ajax’s first game in 2025/26 is important, as they want to start strong and catch up with the league’s leaders quickly. Heitinga will be the “figurehead” coach, and fans and club officials are hoping for a new start and better results next season.