Heitinga’s Ajax Opportunity
Liverpool have allowed assistant coach John Heitinga to discuss terms for Ajax’s vacant head coach position, less than a year after joining Arne Slot’s staff in July 2024, per This Is Anfield on May 28, 2025. The 41-year-old Dutchman, a former Everton defender, has been pivotal in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign, even managing games during Slot’s suspension. Ajax, after Francesco Farioli’s resignation following a late Eredivisie title collapse, are “fully committed” to Heitinga, with Marcel Keizer as his assistant, per De Telegraaf. Heitinga’s prior interim stint at Ajax in 2023 (14 wins, 22 games) and experience at West Ham make him a prime candidate.
Liverpool’s Replacement Plan
Heitinga’s likely departure prompts Liverpool to seek a replacement, with former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Marino Pusic emerging as a top candidate, per The Athletic. Slot previously tried to recruit Pusic, who declined to stay with Shakhtar, but his recent sacking makes him available. Pusic’s familiarity with Slot’s tactics from their time at Feyenoord and his success in Ukraine (2025 Ukrainian Cup) align with Liverpool’s needs. On X, @FabrizioRomano confirmed Heitinga’s advanced talks, noting Liverpool’s proactive search for a successor. Ajax’s failed pursuit of Erik ten Hag, now at Bayer Leverkusen, cleared the path for Heitinga, per AD.
Impact and Next Steps
Heitinga’s potential exit, while a loss for Liverpool’s cohesive staff, reflects his readiness for a head coach role, as Slot noted: “He’s ready to take on a job like that.” Liverpool’s backroom stability, bolstered by Sipke Hulshoff and others, should ease the transition. Pusic’s appointment could maintain continuity, given his 63% win rate at Shakhtar, per Transfermarkt. Ajax aim to finalize Heitinga’s deal swiftly, per ESPN, while Liverpool prepare for their Club World Cup campaign, starting June 14. On X, @TheAnfieldTalk hailed Heitinga’s contribution, urging support for his new chapter.
