Will Erik ten Hag return to the great European club?

Ajax is currently facing a crisis after their defeat to Galatasaray and is likely to "rescue" the season by reuniting with coach Erik ten Hag.

The crisis at Ajax has escalated sharply following a 0-3 home loss to Galatasaray, leaving coach John Heitinga’s future almost hopeless. Under intense pressure from fans, the Dutch club’s management has reopened talks with Erik ten Hag, who once led Ajax to the pinnacle of European football.

According to the Algemeen Dagblad, CEO Alex Kroes held a secret meeting with Ten Hag in Huizen earlier this week. Although described as a “casual coffee chat,” the timing, just days before the heavy European defeat, led the media to believe Ajax is seriously considering a managerial change.

Ten Hag, currently unemployed after a brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen, remains an iconic figure for Ajax during 2018–2022. Under his leadership, the Amsterdam club won three Eredivisie titles, reached the Champions League semifinals, and became a model for modern attacking football. For many fans, his return is the only hope to restore Ajax’s lost identity.

The pressure weighs not only on Heitinga but also on Kroes, who has been criticized for poor transfer market decisions. Insiders reveal Kroes will continue talks with Ten Hag in the coming days, aiming to persuade him to return before the winter break; if these talks fail, Kroes’ own position could be at risk.

However, the challenge for Ten Hag won’t be easy. The current Ajax squad is considered “lacking depth and quality,” while player morale is at an all-time low. Several key players have openly expressed doubts about the club’s direction after four consecutive defeats in the Champions League.

Ten Hag is reportedly willing to come back if Ajax shows a clear commitment to restructuring. Although the €6 million contract compensation to Leverkusen may slow negotiations, Ajax’s leadership is prepared to wait. For Ten Hag, this is not just a career opportunity but a mission to restore a legacy. For Ajax, a club that has stood atop Europe four times, this could be the last gamble to save a collapsing season.

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