Ten Hag Not Returning to Ajax as Overmars Confirms Exit

Ten Hag Ajax Return Ruled Out Amid Managerial Turmoil

Ten Hag Ajax return speculation has officially ended as the former manager has declined an offer to return to the Eredivisie giants. After a series of discussions with Ajax’s sporting director Alex Kroes, Erik ten Hag reportedly decided that the conditions were not suitable for a successful comeback. Ten Hag, who led Ajax to their remarkable Champions League semi-final run in 2019, is currently a free agent following short stints at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

Why Ten Hag Turned Down Ajax

Despite Ajax’s strong desire to bring back their most successful manager in recent history, Ten Hag was unconvinced by the project presented. According to Dutch outlet NOS, he concluded the environment at Ajax was not ready for the kind of partnership that once brought great success. The 55-year-old, who also reportedly turned down an approach from Premier League club Wolves, appears to be waiting for the right opportunity before returning to management.

Marc Overmars Confirms Final Departure from Ajax

Former director Marc Overmars also made it clear that a return to Ajax is not on the cards. Speaking to De Telegraaf, Overmars acknowledged he had received multiple approaches from influential figures at the club, but insisted his time at Ajax is “over.” Overmars, who left Ajax in 2022 following revelations of inappropriate behavior, said, “For me, it’s over.” His departure marked the end of an era that saw Ajax build one of Europe’s most exciting young squads.

Impact of Overmars and Ten Hag’s Absence

The absence of both Ten Hag and Overmars leaves Ajax in a vulnerable position. The duo were the architects of Ajax’s 2019 Champions League fairy tale, nurturing talents like Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt. However, with neither returning, Ajax must now look to new leadership to revive their fortunes. Overmars expressed his disappointment about the current state of the club, stating, “It’s very painful for me to see Ajax struggle. We built something wonderful, and now it’s heartbreaking to see the turmoil.”

Current Ajax Manager Search and Mounting Pressure

Ajax manager search efforts are now more urgent than ever. The Amsterdam giants have endured a disappointing Eredivisie campaign, languishing in fourth place, 11 points behind leaders PSV after 12 matches and finding themselves at the bottom of their Champions League group with four consecutive defeats. Interim coach Fred Grim has been unable to stop the slide, losing his debut match 2-1 to Utrecht. Sporting director Alex Kroes, who brokered talks with Ten Hag, is also set to step down after naming a new permanent manager, with former Wolfsburg coach Paul Simonis reportedly among the frontrunners.

Ten Hag’s Recent Career: A Rocky Road

Since leaving Ajax in 2022, Ten Hag’s managerial journey has been turbulent. At Manchester United, he enjoyed early success, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. However, high-profile disputes with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, combined with a lack of progress in the Premier League and Europe, led to his sacking in October 2024. A brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen ended after just two league games, leaving his reputation at a crossroads.

What’s Next for Ajax?

With the Ten Hag Ajax return now impossible and Overmars closing the book on his Ajax career, the club faces a defining period. The next managerial appointment will shape not just this season, but the club’s medium-term future. The pressure is mounting, with fans eager for stability and success after the club cycled through eight managers since Ten Hag’s departure.

Ajax’s next test comes on November 22 at home against Excelsior, a fixture that could further define the direction of their season. For those following the latest developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: Ajax Must Embrace Change and Stability

In my view, Ajax’s repeated attempts to recapture past glories by rehiring former legends is no longer a viable path. The club’s identity has always been rooted in innovation and youth development. Now, with Ten Hag and Overmars definitively gone, Ajax must look forward, invest in fresh leadership, and foster an environment where the next generation can thrive. Stability, vision, and a willingness to evolve will be key to restoring their dominance in Dutch and European football.