
UEFA Champions League
Erik ten Hag, former coach of Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, is again mentioned in rumors surrounding Ajax Amsterdam.
According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch coach could replace Johnny Heitinga, who is going through a tough start to the season with the team.
🚨 Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could make a sensational return to management and replace Johnny Heitinga at Ajax.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 4, 2025
Under Heitinga, Ajax have endured a poor start to the season, dropping points in the Eredivisie and suffering heavy defeats in Europe.
(Source: De… pic.twitter.com/Oz3XyLoMnY
Ajax has suffered unexpected setbacks in both the Eredivisie and Europe. Despite maintaining some consistency in the domestic league, heavy losses in the UEFA Champions League, including a 4-0 thrashing against Olympique de Marseille, have raised doubts about Heitinga's continuity. This situation opens the door for Erik Ten Hag to return to a club where he left an indelible mark between 2017 and 2022.
Erik ten Hag and His Potential Impact on Ajax
The return of Erik ten Hag to Ajax would generate high expectations among fans and the press. During his previous tenure, the coach secured three Eredivisie titles and led the team to the Champions League semifinals in 2019. His offensive style and ability to develop young talents align with the club's DNA and could bring stability to a team in need of regaining confidence and performance.
Ten Hag also stands out for his eye for young players. Promising talents from the Ajax academy could benefit from his experience and leadership, essential elements for a club that has historically focused on nurturing and promoting local talent.

Johnny Heitinga's Situation
The continuity of Johnny Heitinga is under pressure. Despite keeping Ajax undefeated in some Eredivisie matches, his management has been criticized for inconsistency in European competitions and lack of cohesion in the game. Negative results and heavy defeats have prompted the board to consider alternatives to ensure stability.
Heitinga was chosen to lead a long-term project, but the initial months have shown difficulties in imposing his style. The combination of high expectations and unconvincing results has sparked internal debate on whether the team needs an internationally experienced coach like Ten Hag to get back on track.
A Non-Official Return
At present, Erik ten Hag's arrival at Ajax remains speculative. Nonetheless, the possibility of his return has piqued the interest of media and fans, who recall his successful previous tenure and hope he can reverse the club's challenging situation. Ajax's board must decide whether to retain Heitinga or dare to opt for a coach with a proven track record and the ability to lead high-level projects.
In essence, Ajax faces a dilemma: stick with Heitinga and trust in the team's recovery, or open the door to the potential return of Erik ten Hag, a name that brings excitement and expectations, and could alter the course of the 2025-26 season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Erik ten Hag ya tiene nuevo club!