Erik Ten Hag Definitely Not Returning To Ajax While Disgraced Director Marc Overmars Confirms He Refused Offer From Eredivisie Giants

The Ajax fairytale of Erik ten Hag and Marc Overmars will not be rewritten. Both the former manager and director, who were key architects of Ajax’s remarkable Champions League run in 2019, have declined offers to return, with Overmars confirming that his chapter with the Eredivisie giants is “over.”

Ten Hag Turns Down Ajax Return
According to NOS, Ten Hag, who managed Ajax from 2017 to 2022, decided against a return despite discussions with sporting director Alex Kroes. Reports indicate the Dutchman concluded that “the conditions were not right for a successful partnership” and therefore declined.

Currently a free agent after being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen just three games into his tenure in September, Ten Hag had also reportedly rejected an approach from Premier League side Wolves, who are searching for a new manager following Vitor Pereira’s dismissal.

Overmars Closes Door on Ajax Comeback
Earlier, former Ajax director Marc Overmars ruled out a return. Speaking to De Telegraaf, Overmars confirmed he was approached but claimed his chapter with the club is “over.”

“That’s happened once before, and now again, and by several people,” he said. “By whom? Yes, they’re people in important positions, but I’m not going to say who, because then it would just become another political game internally. For me, it’s over.”

Overmars resigned in February 2022 following revelations of inappropriate behaviour. His exit marked the end of an era at Ajax, during which he and Ten Hag built a vibrant young side featuring Andre Onana, Frenkie de Jong, and Matthijs de Ligt, famously reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. However, that golden generation eventually broke up as key players moved to major clubs across Europe.

The 52-year-old also expressed pain at seeing Ajax struggle this season. “The current situation at the club is very painful for me. I find it difficult to talk about it,” Overmars said. “I worked there for 10 years, minus two months, and we built something wonderful together. Seeing how things are going now, and everyone just killing each other, is heartbreaking. The respect I get from the supporters is great, and I find it truly wonderful. It’s true that I couldn’t have imagined it would go this way. I heard there were eight managers after Erik. Well, that’s a Dutch record, I think.”

Ten Hag’s Turbulent Post-Ajax Career
After leaving Ajax in 2022, Ten Hag took charge of Manchester United, initially enjoying success by ending the club’s six-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win, followed by an FA Cup the next season. However, clashes with Cristiano Ronaldo and later Jadon Sancho strained his position with both the club and its supporters. His failure to make progress in the Premier League or European competitions eventually led to his dismissal in October 2024.

Ten Hag’s next managerial stint with Bayer Leverkusen lasted just two league matches before his sudden sacking in September, leaving his managerial reputation in question.