Ajax Eyes Erik ten Hag Return: Kroes Reveals Conversation with Former Coach

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes confirms contact with Erik ten Hag amid speculation of a return to the club after Francesco Farioli's departure. Ten Hag's potential comeback sparks interest as Ajax seeks a new manager.

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes has confirmed that he's been in touch with Erik ten Hag about potentially returning to the club. This development comes after Francesco Farioli's surprise departure as manager, citing disagreements with the executive board. Ten Hag's possible return is an intriguing prospect, given his past success with Ajax before taking the helm at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag's name emerged as a potential successor to Francesco Farioli after the Italian coach announced his departure from Ajax following their 2-0 win over FC Twente. Ten Hag has a strong connection to the club, having spent four and a half years there and winning six trophies between January 2018 and May 2022.

🚨 Ajax are seriously considering re-appointing Erik Ten Hag as head coach.

🇮🇹 Following Farioli’s departure, the former Manchester United coach is being targeted but Bayer Leverkusen are also keeping tabs on him.

(Source: @SkySportDE) pic.twitter.com/E0j8OH7Ubl

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 19, 2025

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes confirmed that he's been in touch with Ten Hag about a possible return to Amsterdam. “Yesterday, after the game (against FC Twente), I had a short conversation with Erik (ten Hag),” Kroes told ESPN. “He indicated that he's busy with his future. I asked if he wanted to drink a cup of coffee with me soon - I'll leave what he said in the middle.” This conversation suggests that Ten Hag is open to discussing his future plans, and a return to Ajax could be on the cards.

Erik ten Hag and Go Ahead Eagles manager Paul Simonis are reportedly on Ajax's shortlist for the managerial position, according to De Telegraaf. Ten Hag previously managed Ajax from 2018 to 2022, leading the team to six trophies, including three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Beker wins. His potential return to the club has been met with interest, given his past successes. Ajax is looking for a new manager after Francesco Farioli's sudden departure, citing disagreements with the club's executive board.

“All sorts of names are appearing in the media again, and that's rightly so, fun, and handy because it might be of some use to me, but the challenge only gets bigger,” Kroes continued.

“It's a pity, because on that front, it feels like we have to start all over again. Like we went one year back in time. We have to find a new staff, we get a lot of loanees back, so it's going to be a long, tough summer for us.”