Liverpool may have just lifted the Premier League trophy under Arne Slot’s dynamic guidance, but the revolution at Anfield is far from complete. With John Heitinga likely to depart for Ajax after just one season as assistant manager, a familiar face could be stepping back into the red spotlight—Dirk Kuyt.
### Heitinga’s Departure Opens Door
Heitinga, who joined Slot’s backroom staff last summer, has reportedly been approached by Ajax to take over as head coach. Given the Amsterdam club’s admiration for their former stalwart, a return to Dutch football looks “likely,” according to reports.
In swift response, Liverpool appear to be ‘lining up’ a move to bring Dirk Kuyt back to Merseyside in a coaching capacity, per _Football Insider_. The move is tipped to be well-received by the Anfield faithful—after all, Kuyt’s work ethic and unrelenting spirit have always embodied the Liverpool ethos.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
### Kuyt: A Liverpool Favourite with Coaching Ambitions
Dirk Kuyt is no stranger to the Kop. Between 2006 and 2012, the Dutch forward made 285 appearances for the Reds, scoring 71 goals and providing 40 assists. His crowning moment came with a hat-trick against Manchester United—one of just four players to do so in the Premier League era.
Since hanging up his boots in 2018, Kuyt’s coaching career has included stints with Quick Boys, Feyenoord’s U19s, ADO Den Haag, and most recently, Beerschot in Belgium. While results at Beerschot were mixed—just 1.02 points per game over 53 matches—the intangible elements of leadership and tactical growth seem to have caught Liverpool’s attention.
His departure from Beerschot this summer has already been confirmed, and a move back to Anfield, albeit on the touchline, seems not only plausible but popular.
### Slot’s Subtle Rebuild Continues
Arne Slot’s debut season could hardly have gone better—winning the Premier League with a largely Klopp-built squad. His changes have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary: a tweak in the tactical blueprint, a new voice in the dressing room, and a staff tailored to his footballing philosophy.
Kuyt, with his deep ties to the club and understanding of both Dutch and English football cultures, fits the mould perfectly.
### Transfer Watch: Reds Eye Kubo
In transfer news, Liverpool remain linked with Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese winger is set to meet with the Spanish club regarding his future, and Liverpool are reportedly keen to pounce. The 23-year-old offers versatility and flair—two qualities Slot prizes highly in wide areas.
### Conclusion: Nostalgia Meets Ambition
Bringing Kuyt back to Anfield represents more than sentiment—it’s a strategic move marrying club culture with modern demands. In a season already brimming with promise and pride, the return of a cult hero could be the next shrewd stroke in Slot’s quiet transformation of Liverpool.