Assistant coach John Heitinga has been granted permission to speak with Ajax about a possible return to the Dutch giants — a move that has caught many by surprise.

The former Everton defender only joined Liverpool last summer.



Now, just a year in, he may already be heading out the door.

Julian Alvarez outlines stance on making shock Arsenal transfer this summer	Mo Salah leads the way, while Man United star is a SHOCK inclusion and two Arsenal midfielders sneak in... but who else makes Sofascore's top 10 players of the season?	Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace: Salah gets his moment before title party!

Fabrizio Romano broke the news, stating: “Liverpool gives permission to John Heitinga for talks with Ajax as negotiations to become the new head coach are advanced.”

The club is also said to be looking at replacements if the deal goes through.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid receives ‘impossible’ asking price for Liverpool star

Heitinga’s connection with Ajax runs deep.

In 2023, he took charge of the first team on an interim basis but wasn’t kept on permanently.

This time, Ajax may be ready to hand him the job full-time.

With Francesco Farioli recently dismissed and Ajax finishing second in the Eredivisie, the club is looking for new leadership — and Heitinga could be their man.

Back at Liverpool, Slot clearly valued his assistant.

Speaking recently, he said: “If Ajax would be smart they would consider him.

If John is smart, he would stay here one more season.”

Whether Heitinga chooses to stay in the Anfield dugout or lead Ajax’s revival remains to be seen.
For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.