Ajax, who recently finished runner-up to Dutch Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven, are likely to have a summer clearout. This will assist with their financial losses, and for their new head coach to pick his squad.
John Heitinga has been appointed as the new Ajax manager today, moving from his role as Liverpool assistant to Arne Slot.
He knows the club’s DNA well. Heitinga starred at center-back in over 150 league games for Ajax, and during his six-month stint as interim boss he steered the side to third place in the 2022/23 Eredivisie.
Heitinga replaced Francesco Farioli, who left Ajax after sensationally squandering a nine-point lead over PSV with five matches remaining to be pipped to the title by a single point.
Rough for Rugani
Daniele Rugani’s unsuccessful loan at Ajax under Farioli resulted in the former Italy ace returning to the Bianconeri, and a chance to impress at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Rugani’s former team-mate in Amsterdam may follow him to Turin, with Germanijak reporting that Juventus have reignited their interest in long-term target Josip Sutalo but initially on a season-long loan.
Croatian international Sutalo played 29 league Dutch Eredivisie last season, only missing five matches through a combination of illness and a shoulder injury.
Bargain deal beckons
Sutalo joined Ajax from Dinamo Zagreb in 2023 for €20.5 million (US$23.3m), and his current market value is not much higher.
At the time of his switch, Sutalo featured high on the wanted list at both Arsenal and Juventus. Max Allegri, the then Bianconeri boss, planned to pair Sutalo with Brazilian Gleison Bremer in defense.
After Sutalo’s underwhelming debut season, the 25-year-old bounced back with aplomb. Impressive displays over the latest campaign, with 45 matches across all competitions, has alerted a plethora of Serie A sides comprising AS Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Juventus and Lazio.