Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool give green light for coaching talks with Ajax | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Coaching Carousel: Heitinga Nears Ajax Return

Heitinga Set for Return to Ajax Hotseat

As Liverpool’s post title celebrations continue their looks to be a potential change in the coaching department. Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive reveals that Liverpool have given permission to John Heitinga to hold advanced talks with Ajax regarding their vacant head coach position.

The move would mark a significant chapter in Heitinga’s career, potentially steering him back to the Dutch giants where his managerial roots began. After joining Liverpool’s coaching staff under Arne Slot in the summer of 2024, Heitinga has operated quietly but effectively in the background, contributing to a season of structural evolution rather than revolution.

As Romano reports, “Liverpool have begun the process of looking at replacements if the Heitinga deal goes through, as looks likely.”

As the Reds look to sort a replacement for the Dutchman.

Timing Signals Quiet Confidence

It’s not often a club allows a backroom figure to negotiate such a move without resistance—especially one as storied and strategic as Liverpool. The calmness of the situation signals a degree of internal clarity.

Heitinga’s connection with Ajax is strong. He was briefly their head coach in 2023, and his return could be seen as Ajax attempting to re-establish identity and continuity after recent managerial volatility. For Liverpool, this exit may also reflect a growing confidence in the stability and long-term structure being put in place under Arne Slot.

A Fresh Opportunity

Should Heitinga return to Amsterdam, it may offer Slot the opportunity to hire a new assistant who can offer fresh ideas, even Heitinga has only been at the club for one season.

Heitinga’s Legacy Could Be Found in Silence

Though he kept a low media profile, Heitinga’s work behind the scenes, particularly with defensive coordination and youth integration, was viewed positively. If this is indeed his farewell, he leaves not with grand tributes but with quiet respect—a mirror of his coaching style.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the possible departure of John Heitinga will raise eyebrows but not alarm bells.

Heitinga’s return to Ajax makes sense—he never really cut ties with the club emotionally, and the timing feels right for both parties. At Liverpool, he’s been part of a steady background transition, helping with defensive shape and youth integration, but he was never a figurehead. His departure won’t derail anything, especially if Slot is being backed to bring in trusted aides.

It’s also comforting to see the club already preparing for a replacement. That’s how elite clubs work. No panic, no drama—just planning. Fans should take this as a positive sign. If anything, it’s a window into the efficiency of Liverpool’s behind-the-scenes direction under Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.