Heitinga departs Liverpool to take a position as head coach of Ajax.

John Heitinga is set to become the new head coach of Ajax Amsterdam, with the appointment expected to be finalized on July 1, 2025. Heitinga, a former Dutch international and Ajax player, has agreed to a two-year contract with the club .

Heitinga’s coaching journey includes roles with Ajax’s youth teams and a brief tenure as interim head coach in 2023, where he led the team to a third-place finish and a Dutch Cup final appearance . In July 2024, he joined Liverpool as an assistant coach under Arne Slot, contributing to the team’s Premier League title win .

His return to Ajax follows the resignation of Francesco Farioli, who left the club after a significant late-season points lead was lost to PSV Eindhoven . Marcel Keizer, a former Ajax manager, will join Heitinga’s staff as assistant coach .

Heitinga’s deep connection with Ajax and his coaching experience make him a promising choice to lead the club into the new season.