Erik Ten Hag in Talks to Join European Giants After Manager Sacked

Erik ten Hag is in talks to join a major European club after they sacked their manager.

Ten Hag has been out of work since his dismissal at Bayer Leverkusen in September.

He only took over in the summer, having been let go by Manchester United in October 2024 after two-and-a-half years at the Old Trafford hot seat.

Ten Hag has since been linked with the Wolves vacancy after they parted ways with Vítor Pereira following their crushing 3-0 defeat against Fulham.

But, according to Fabrizio Romano, the 55-year-old didn't advance in talks with Wolves, who are expected to make an approach for Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards.

Edwards not only used to play for Wolves but also coached the club's under-23 side and is believed to have a release clause in his Boro contract.

Erik ten Hag was sacked as Bayer Leverkusen manager in September. Image: Getty

Ten Hag, however, appears set to land a job despite not advancing with Wolves.

Romano claims the Dutch boss has been approached by Ajax over a possible return following Johnny Heitinga's sacking on Thursday.

A statement on social media read: "Ajax has suspended John Heitinga with immediate effect. The head coach’s contract was due to run until June 30, 2027, but will now be terminated. The same applies to assistant coach Marcel Keizer. Ajax is looking for a new head coach; in the meantime, Fred Grim will take over Heitinga’s duties."

Ten Hag seems set to replace Heitinga, which would see him return to the Dutch giants following his spell between 2017 and 2022.

He was appointed Ajax manager in December 2017 and left in 2022 when he joined Man United.

Erik ten Hag is in talks to return to Ajax. Image: Getty

During his time at Ajax, Ten Hag won an impressive three league titles and guided them to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 campaign, which saw them beat Real Madrid and Juventus.

This season, Ajax are currently eight points adrift of league leaders Feyenoord in the Eredivisie after 11 games.

They suffered a 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, which proved to be Heitinga's final game in charge.