Voetbalzone reveals: Ajax in talks with Arne Slot – what’s behind it?
If you've so much as glanced at Voetbalzone over the past few hours, you won't have missed it: Ajax are reportedly in official talks with Arne Slot. Yes, you read that right. The man who steered Feyenoord to their first league title in six years and is now at Liverpool could well become the new main man at the Johan Cruyff Arena. I say 'could', because nothing is ever certain in the rumour mill, but the signs this time are pretty concrete.
A bizarre twist, or is it?
Let's rewind a bit. Slot left De Kuip with a fond farewell in 2024 for Anfield, where he did a solid job post-Klopp. But things have been a bit rocky at Liverpool in recent months, and suddenly his name pops up in Amsterdam. Internally at Voetbalzone, the servers are working overtime. Colleagues are typing away like mad, and the Football Strike: Voetbalzone! - Version 1.0.2 - iOS app is lighting up with notifications. Fans are divided: some are cheering, others are horrified at the thought of an ex-Feyenoord man taking the helm.
So, what's behind it? According to insiders, who wish to remain anonymous as discussions are still in their infancy, technical director Alex Kroes has initiated the first exploratory conversations. It's believed Slot would be open to a return to the Netherlands, especially if his family never quite settled in England. And be honest: which other manager fits the Ajax philosophy of attacking, dominant football better than Slot? His 2023 Feyenoord side played a brand of football that wouldn't have looked out of place coming from the 'Amsterdam school'. Ironic, but true.
What the stats and the fans are saying
Let's take a sober look at what Slot could bring to the table:
- Points average: At Feyenoord, he averaged 2.26 points per game – higher than any Ajax coach since Ten Hag.
- Youth development mindset: He gave players like Kökçü, Geertruida and Bijlow their confidence – precisely what Ajax needs with their academy prospects.
- European track record: A Europa Conference League final, Champions League progression – he's proven he can perform on the biggest stage.
However, there are risks. Slot is a control freak, wanting full say over transfers and his backroom staff. That occasionally caused friction with the hierarchy at Liverpool. How would that go down in Amsterdam, where the supervisory board also has its say? What's more, Feyenoord fans would never forgive him if he opted to join their arch-rivals. But then again, in professional football, it's about careers, not sentiment.
The background to the rumour
Remarkably, the first hint didn't come from the Netherlands, but from England. The story exploded over there, after which we picked it up and consulted our own sources. What emerges? One of the connections is agent Rafaela Pimenta, who represents both Slot and several Ajax players. She is thought to have initiated the first contacts. Then there's the Maurice Steijn situation: he's still under contract, but results have been inconsistent. The board is seeking stability, and who better to provide that than Slot?
Of course, it's not a done deal. Liverpool won't just let Slot go without a hefty compensation fee. And Slot himself would have to want the move. But the rumour mill is in full swing, and as long as no denial comes from either party, the door remains slightly ajar. On Voetbalzone, we'll keep you posted, minute by minute. Whether via the site, or through the brand-new Football Strike: Voetbalzone! - app, where you can even try your hand at Slot's potential team line-up yourself.
One thing's for sure: the summer promises to be a scorcher. Whether Slot comes or not, the rumours alone are enough to spark fireworks in the Eredivisie. Brace yourselves, because this is going to be a rollercoaster.