Ajax Target Michel: Contract Talks Underway, García Role Unclear

Michel to join Ajax in Jordi Cruyff’s first transfer window  

The Girona manager is expected to take over at Ajax as Jordi Cruyff begins his tenure as technical director, leveraging his extensive Spanish network.

Girona’s head coach is nearing a full agreement with Ajax following their La Liga relegation, with the Dutch club aiming to finalize terms quickly...

Ajax and Girona head coach Michel are said to be close to finalizing an agreement, per reports from Dutch media on Wednesday.

ESPN reports that Ajax and Michel are ironing out the final details, with the length of the Spaniard’s contract and his coaching staff makeup the main points of negotiation. Both sides are pushing to wrap things up quickly.

Míchel has been on Ajax’s radar all season, as the Amsterdam club struggled to secure European qualification under three different managers. John Heitinga was dismissed in October, and interim boss Fred Grim was moved aside in March. Former Barcelona forward Óscar García ultimately steered Ajax to UEFA Conference League qualification by finishing fifth and winning the play-offs.

It remains to be seen what role Oscar García will take at Ajax, given he was originally brought in as manager of Jong Ajax.

Míchel guided Girona to their first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification in 2024, but the Catalan side were relegated from La Liga last weekend. They ended the season 19th with 41 points, finishing one point behind Levante, Osasuna, and Real Mallorca.

Girona supporters criticized Michel for what they saw as divided focus during a tense relegation fight, after his team went winless in their final eight league matches amid links to Ajax. The 50-year-old was also reportedly considered by Bayer Leverkusen, who ultimately passed on the move due to concerns over Míchel’s “poor grasp of the English language.”

🚨 Ajax are pushing to appoint Michel as favorite candidate as new manager this summer.

Despite reports on Arne Slot, Michel seen as a priority — but Ajax have a three men shortlist in case of issues.

Michel could leave Girona, already exploring potential alternatives. pic.twitter.com/JfNEnfLmcM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2026

Míchel’s arrival at Ajax will coincide with the first full transfer window under newly appointed technical director Jordi Cruyff, who has strong ties in Spain from his years at FC Barcelona.

Cruyff is the son of Dutch football icon and coach Johan Cruyff. He moved to Spain as a child with his father and has spent most of his life there, with much of that time based in Catalonia.