Ajax Management: Erik ten Hag: A Potential Return Home?

Erik ten Hag's future in football hangs in balance as Ajax technical director Alex Kroes confirms talks about a potential return.

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes confirmed to ESPN that he's been in touch with Erik ten Hag regarding a potential return to the club. This development comes after Francesco Farioli's sudden departure as Ajax manager, citing disagreements with the executive board.

With Ajax searching for a new manager, Kroes' talks with Ten Hag signal a possible solution. Ten Hag's potential return would mark a significant move, given his previous ties to the club.

Erik ten Hag's name emerged as a potential successor to Francesco Farioli after the Italian manager's sudden departure from Ajax. Ten Hag has a notable history with the club, having spent four and a half years there between January 2018 and May 2022, during which he won six trophies.

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes revealed he had a brief conversation with Ten Hag after FC Twente's match, saying, “Yesterday, after the game, I had a short conversation with Erik. 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 potential interest in Ten Hag returning to Ajax. Notably, Ten Hag was dismissed as Manchester United manager in October 2024 after a string of poor results 

Erik ten Hag's name has been mentioned alongside Go Ahead Eagles manager Paul Simonis as potential successors to Francesco Farioli, according to De Telegraaf. Ajax technical director Alex Kroes commented on the media speculation, saying, “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.”

This development comes after Farioli's sudden departure from Ajax, which has sparked interest in potential replacements. Ten Hag, who previously managed Ajax from 2018 to 2022, led the team to significant success, including three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups. His experience and achievements make him a strong candidate for the position.

🚨 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

Kroes' conversation with Ten Hag has also been reported, where Ten Hag indicated he was busy with his future plans. The possibility of Ten Hag returning to Ajax has garnered attention, given his past successes with the club.

“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.”