Voetbalzone Exclusive: Ajax in talks with Arne Slot – what's the story behind this?
If you've glanced at Voetbalzone at all in the past few hours, you couldn't have missed it: Ajax is reportedly in official talks with Arne Slot. Yes, you read that right. The man who guided Feyenoord to their first league title in six years and is now at Liverpool, could very well become the new main man at the Johan Cruyff Arena. I say 'could', because in the rumour mill nothing is impossible, but the signals this time are incredibly concrete.
A bizarre twist, or is it?
Let's rewind a bit. Slot left De Kuip for Anfield in 2024 with a fond farewell, where he did well in the post-Klopp era. But things have been shaky 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 furiously, and the Football Strike: Voetbalzone! - Version 1.0.2 - iOS app is buzzing with notifications. Fans are divided: some are cheering, others shudder at the thought of a former Feyenoord man taking the reins.
What's behind it? According to insiders, who wish to remain anonymous because the talks are still in their early stages, Technical Director Alex Kroes has held initial exploratory conversations. Slot would be open to a return to the Netherlands, especially if his family never fully settled after the move to England. And let's be honest: which manager fits the Ajax philosophy of attacking, dominant football better than Slot? His Feyenoord played championship-winning football in 2023 that could have come straight from the Ajax academy playbook. Ironic, but true.
What the numbers and the fans say
Let's take a sober look at what Slot would bring to the table:
- Points average: At Feyenoord, he averaged 2.26 points per match – higher than any Ajax coach post-Ten Hag.
- Development mindset: He trusted players like Kokcu, Geertruida, and Bijlow, exactly what Ajax needs with their own youth prospects.
- European track record: Conference League final, Champions League knockout stages – he's proven he can perform on the biggest stage.
However, there are risks too. Slot is a control freak, wanting complete authority over transfers and his technical staff. This sometimes led to friction with the management at Liverpool. How would that go down in Amsterdam, where the supervisory board also has a say? Moreover, Feyenoord fans would never forgive him if he chose their 'arch-rivals'. But hey, in professional football, it's about careers, not sentiment.
The background of the rumour
Interestingly, the first hint didn't come from the Netherlands, but from England. Things blew up there, after which we picked it up and let our own sources speak. What do we find out? One of the connections is agent Rafaela Pimenta, who represents both Slot and several Ajax players. It is believed she initiated the first contacts. Then there's the Maurice Steijn situation: he's still under contract, but results have been inconsistent. The management is seeking stability, and who offers that better than Slot?
Of course, it's not a done deal. Liverpool won't let Slot go without a significant compensation fee. And Slot himself has to want it. But the rumour mill is in full swing, and as long as there's no denial from any party, the door remains ajar. Here at Voetbalzone, we'll keep you posted, minute by minute. Whether it's through the site, or via the brand new Football Strike: Voetbalzone! - app, where you can even simulate how Slot would set up his team.
One thing is for sure: it's going to be a hot summer. Whether Slot comes or not, the rumours alone are set to spark fireworks in the Eredivisie. Brace yourselves, because this is going to be a rollercoaster.