Erik ten Hag Snubs Ajax, Cites Lack of Short-Term Security

No comeback for Erik Ten Hag and Overmars as Ajax seek stability

Ajax face fresh crisis as Ten Hag and Overmars reject return, sparking concerns over club's stability. Ten Hag cites lack of short-term security for snubbing Ajax return, Overmars rules out comeback.

“That's because I really enjoy my work at Antwerp, and I still have a year and a half left on my contract there...”

Erik ten Hag has reportedly rejected a return to Ajax, citing a lack of short-term security. The Dutch manager had several talks with the Amsterdam club after John Heitinga's dismissal, but ultimately decided against it.

Ten Hag's decision comes as no surprise, given the uncertainty surrounding Ajax's leadership, with technical director Alex Kroes announcing his resignation. Former Director of Football Marc Overmars has also ruled out a return to Ajax, citing his commitment to Royal Antwerp.

The 55-year-old Dutchman had held talks with technical director Alex Kroes, but ultimately decided the conditions weren't right for a successful partnership.

This is the second club Ten Hag has rejected since being fired at Bayer Leverkusen, where his tenure lasted just four games. Prior to that, he was also linked with the job at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but chose to pursue other options. Ten Hag's decision is likely a blow to Ajax, who are looking to stabilize their position in the Eredivisie.

Alex Kroes, Ajax's technical director, has announced that he's putting his position up for availability, taking responsibility for the club's recent struggles and disappointing results. This comes after the sacking of John Heitinga as manager, with Kroes acknowledging that the club's performances haven't met expectations.

Kroes has held talks with Erik ten Hag, a former Ajax manager, about potentially returning to the club. Ten Hag had previously led Ajax to significant success, winning three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Beker trophies, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals during his tenure from 2018 to 2022.

🚨 JUST IN: Erik ten Hag was only willing to return to Ajax if Alex Kroes stayed at the club. After Kroes decided to leave, Marc Overmars was seen as a strong alternative to help convince Ten Hag to come back. However, following Overmars’ rejection, Ten Hag has also turned down… pic.twitter.com/UrujRFuOkj

— Inside020 (@Inside_020) November 11, 2025

Marc Overmars Rules Out Ajax Return

Marc Overmars, former Ajax Director of Football, has ruled out a return to the club, stating it's a “closed chapter” for him. Overmars, currently technical director at Royal Antwerp, cited his past experiences and the reason for his departure in 2022, saying he has a “soft spot for Ajax and Amsterdam” but won't be returning. His departure in 2022 followed allegations of sending explicit and nude pictures to female colleagues.

“That's because I really enjoy my work at Antwerp, and I still have a year and a half left on my contract there. I want to see that commitment through. Our aim was to make the club financially healthy. The stadium is ready, and now we need to rebuild the team.”

Marc Overmars has revealed that he's been approached multiple times about returning to Ajax, but has no intention of going back. The former Director of Football, who is currently with Royal Antwerp, stated that his past experiences have led him to close the door on a return to the Amsterdam club.

“That has already happened once, and now it's happening again, involving several people. Who? Well, they are people in important positions, but I'm not going to say who, because then it will become an internal political game again. For me, it's over.”