The former Everton defender could replace Francesco Farioli in Amsterdam.
Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is a contender for the Ajax job (Mike Egerton/PA)open image in gallery
Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is a contender for the Ajax job (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
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.
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.”