John Heitinga dismissed by Ajax, potentially paving the way for a future return to Liverpool.

Seeing a former member of our own coaching team struggle elsewhere is never pleasant, and the latest update from Amsterdam will disappoint many linked to Anfield.

Ajax have announced that John Heitinga has been dismissed with immediate effect, bringing a chaotic spell to an abrupt end for the ex-Liverpool assistant. The Dutch club released an official statement on Thursday confirming the 41-year-old’s departure, and technical director Alex Kroes has even offered to resign amidst increasing internal tensions.

Ajax dismiss John Heitinga due to “insufficient progress”

In their statement, Ajax revealed:
“John Heitinga has been suspended with immediate effect. His contract was set to run until June 30, 2027, but will now be terminated.

“The same decision applies to assistant coach Marcel Keizer. Ajax are now searching for a new head coach, with Fred Grim stepping in temporarily.”

Kroes said:
“This decision hurts, but looking back over the last few months, it’s clear that things haven’t gone in the direction we had hoped.

“There has been too little progress, and we have dropped points unnecessarily.”

Although Kroes has offered to resign, Ajax’s board has asked him to remain in his role for stability. The news arrives only weeks after Heitinga was criticised for agreeing to James McConnell’s loan move from Liverpool to Ajax — a decision said to have caused disagreement within the club.

Could Heitinga find his way back to Liverpool?

Heitinga’s link to Anfield remains strong. He was part of Arne Slot’s backroom staff during Liverpool’s title-winning season before taking on the Ajax role last summer.

When he took the job, he spoke highly of what he learned during his time in England and the influence Slot had on him.

A Liverpool return isn’t out of the question. Pep Lijnders once left Klopp’s staff to pursue a managerial job before later coming back as assistant — it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Heitinga’s tactical understanding, Premier League experience and knowledge of the club’s structure could make a reunion logical if the circumstances are right.

For now, his priority will be to rebuild his career.

As Ajax begin their search for yet another new manager, we’re left to reflect on how a former colleague has suddenly found himself out of work — though certainly not without future opportunities.