Ajax Set to Appoint New Manager After Farioli's Shock Exit

Get the latest on Ajax's new manager search, with Erik ten Had and Paul Simonis in the running.

Erik ten Hag is reportedly the top contender to succeed Francesco Farioli as Ajax manager. The Dutch media suggests that the former Manchester United boss is well-positioned to return to the Amsterdam club.

Farioli's sudden departure came after Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie, with the Italian manager citing disagreements with the executive board over key issues as the reason for his exit. This unexpected move has paved the way for ten Hag's potential return to the club.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that Erik ten Hag is one of two candidates shortlisted to replace Francesco Farioli as Ajax manager. Ten Hag previously managed Ajax from 2018 to 2022, leading the team to significant success.

During his tenure at Ajax, Ten Hag won three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Beker trophies, and reached the Champions League semi-finals. After leaving Ajax, he managed Manchester United, winning the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, before being dismissed in November 2024.

🚨🔴 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Ajax now seriously considering rehiring Erik ten Hag, reports @Plettigoal. 🇳🇱🔄 pic.twitter.com/WTgJmrx7ZM

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 19, 2025

The other contender for the Ajax manager position is Paul Simonis, the 40-year-old boss of Go Ahead Eagles. Simonis took over the Eagles after Rene Hake's departure to join Erik ten Hag's staff at Manchester United.

Under Simonis' leadership, Go Ahead Eagles achieved remarkable success, winning the KNVB Beker and playing an attractive brand of football. This marked the club's most successful season ever, with the KNVB Beker title being their first major trophy. According to reports, Simonis and Erik ten Hag have already had talks with Ajax in anticipation of Farioli's potential departure.