Tue May 27 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Ajax’s Top Target Ten Hag Snubs Amsterdam for Leverkusen, Coaching Search Widens
**Amsterdam, Netherlands** – Ajax Amsterdam’s search for a new head coach has taken an unexpected turn after Erik ten Hag, reportedly the club’s primary target, opted to take a managerial position at Bayer Leverkusen. This development, according to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, is a significant blow to the Dutch giants.
Following Francesco Farioli’s announcement of his departure at the end of the season, names like Ten Hag, Paul Simonis, and Michael Reiziger were initially floated as potential successors. However, the likelihood of any of these individuals taking the helm now appears slim.
While Ten Hag has committed to Leverkusen, Simonis has extended his contract with Go Ahead Eagles, and Reiziger with Jong Oranje. Verweij also noted that Reiziger hadn’t even been approached by Ajax yet.
“Ten Hag was really the number one candidate,” Verweij stated in the Kick-off podcast. “I even read somewhere that he wasn’t interested in Ajax, but that’s nonsense. He indicated that he would definitely want to [coach Ajax] if Leverkusen didn’t go through. That was clearly his first choice.”
The situation now forces Ajax to cast a wider net. According to Verweij, the club intends to spend the coming days engaging in discussions with a wide range of potential candidates. The club is said to be focusing initially on Dutch managers, with some doubts remaining over Paul Simonis’ readiness for the top job. A potential partnership between Simonis and Kees van Wonderen, who previously worked successfully together, has also been mentioned.
“Ultimately, a decision will be made in the short term,” Verweij concluded. “I don’t rule out that they will ultimately end up with a foreigner, because the options in the Netherlands are naturally thin.” The coming weeks will be crucial as Ajax races against time to secure a new manager ahead of the next season.
First Piper 