Who's Next for Ajax? Top Contenders Emerge

Ajax explores options, who'll replace Heitinga?

Ajax searches for a new manager after John Heitinga's departure. Top contenders include Paul Simonis, Iñigo Pérez, and Xavi.

Pérez has made a name for himself in La Liga with his high-intensity pressing and attacking style...

Ajax has parted ways with John Heitinga and is on the hunt for a new manager, with caretaker Fred Grim ruling himself out of the running for the permanent position. The club is looking to fill the spot soon, and several names are being considered.

Erik ten Hag, who previously managed Ajax from 2018 to 2022, has reportedly turned down the opportunity to return, leaving the door open for other candidates. Some of the top contenders include Iñigo Pérez, the Spanish manager of Rayo Vallecano, and Xavi, the legendary Barcelona player and former Al Sadd manager. Other options being considered are Paul Simonis, Mark van Bommel, Will Still, and Edin Terzic.

Potential Ajax Coaches

Ajax has its sights set on two Spanish coaches: Iñigo Pérez and Xavi. Iñigo Pérez, currently at Rayo Vallecano, has been on Ajax's radar, especially with Director of Football Marijn Beuker being a fan. The 37-year-old has done impressively at Vallecano, winning 28, losing 24, and scoring 91 goals in 74 games, averaging 1.43 points per game.

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— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 9, 2025

Pérez has made a name for himself in La Liga with his high-intensity pressing and attacking style, which has earned him plaits. His work at Rayo Vallecano has been impressive, guiding the team to European football for the first time in 25 years.

Ajax is also looking at FC Barcelona legend Xavi, who has a connection to the club. Before Farioli took over, Ajax had talks with Xavi, who was drawn to the stories of Beuker and Kelvin de Lang, Ajax's Head of Scouting. Xavi's experience and pedigree make him an attractive candidate.

Xavi had previously turned down Ajax's approach, opting for a break after managing Al Sadd and Barcelona. However, over 18 months have passed, and Ajax might have a convincing argument this time around.

The Amsterdam club has a strong connection to Xavi through Louis van Gaal, who is currently advising Ajax's Supervisory Board. Van Gaal, who gave Xavi his Barcelona debut in 1998, is close friends with the Spanish legend, and their relationship could be the deciding factor in Xavi's decision.

Ajax's Next Coach: Simonis in the Mix

Paul Simonis, the 40-year-old former Go Ahead Eagles manager, is a strong contender for the Ajax job. Simonis made waves in the Netherlands by leading Go Ahead Eagles to a KNVB Beker win in the 2024/25 season, their first major trophy in decades. This achievement puts him in the running, and he's already been considered for the role before, having made the shortlist to replace Farioli.

Paul Simonis has been making waves in the football world, particularly with his impressive work at Go Ahead Eagles, leading them to a respectable 21st place in the UEFA Europa League - their first European group stage appearance in club history. This achievement has sparked interest in him as a potential top candidate for other clubs.

However, Simonis' recent tenure at Wolfsburg was marked by disappointment, with the team winning just two of his twelve games in charge. He was fired last Sunday due to the club's disastrous start to the season. Interestingly, German outlet Sky Sport reported that Simonis had already been in contact with Ajax before his dismissal, which might impact his chances of landing the job.

Mark van Bommel, a Dutch coach and former PSV manager, is also being considered for the Ajax job, though it's seen as a long shot. Van Bommel has been without a club since leaving Royal Antwerp in summer 2024, where he led the team to their first Pro League title in over 60 years. His experience could be an asset, but it's unclear if he'll be a top contender.

Van Bommel's history with PSV makes him an unlikely choice for Ajax, given the rivalry between the two clubs. His playing and managerial past in Eindhoven, where he failed to win any trophies, adds to the risk of hiring him.

Despite this, Van Bommel's lack of a job since mid-2024 might make him more inclined to take the opportunity, making him a dark horse candidate. His experience and past successes could make him an attractive option for Ajax, but the risk of rivalry and past failures might outweigh these factors.

Dark Horses: Will Still and Edin Terzic

Will Still, the Belgian-English coach, is an unlikely but intriguing candidate. He was recently fired from Southampton after a tough stint, but had previously impressed at Stade Reims and RC Lens in Ligue 1. Still speaks Dutch and has shown potential, but it's unclear if he's keen on leaving England so soon after returning.

Edin Terzic, a former Borussia Dortmund coach, is also a possibility. The Bosnian-German coach led Dortmund to a Champions League final and has experience in top-tier football. His profile is interesting, but it's unclear if he'd be interested in the Ajax job.

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— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 9, 2025

Edin Terzic is another name on Ajax's radar, having led Borussia Dortmund to the UEFA Champions League final in 2024. The 40-year-old has an impressive record, winning 75 and losing 29 of his 128 games in charge, but has been without a job since leaving Dortmund.

Terzic's experience in top-flight football and Champions League pedigree make him an attractive candidate, but his time away from the game might make him eager to revive his career. Leading a complex project like Ajax could be just the challenge he needs, and his German-Croatian background might bring a fresh perspective to the club.