Arne Slot set to lose key ally in huge Liverpool blow after Erik ten Hag rejection

Liverpool have given permission for Johnny Heitinga to hold talks with Ajax over their managerial vacancy, with set to lose one of his key lieutenants. Heitinga has worked as one of Slot's assistants since his arrival as Reds manager last summer.

The former star previously had a spell as one of ' assistants at . He also led Ajax as interim manager in 2023, winning 14 of his 22 games in charge.

He did not land the job permanently on that occasion, instead ending up on Slot's backroom staff at Anfield. The former defender, who was infamously sent off in the final of the 2010 World Cup, has played a key role at .

Heitinga has helped the Reds to storm to the title, their first since 2020. But it appears increasingly unlikely that he will remain at the club as they look to defend that title next season.

His former club Ajax are searching for a new boss after the resignation of Francesco Farioli. Former boss Erik ten Hag had been linked with the job, but instead decided to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

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That has led the Eredivisie side to Heitinga, having opted to snub him two years ago. Maurice Steijn was appointed instead but was sacked after just 11 games with Ajax in a relegation battle.

It has now emerged that Liverpool have given permission to Heitinga to hold talks with Ajax. Negotiations for him to become their new head coach are understood to be advanced, with the Reds now starting the process of searching for a replacement.

Slot has already backed Heitinga to succeed at the Johan Cruyff Arena. He said last week: "If Ajax would be smart they would consider him. He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay here one more season."

Farioli resigned at the end of the season following a disastrous run of form which saw Ajax blow a nine-point lead in the title race with five games to play. Ten Hag was linked with a return to the club where he enjoyed a successful four-year spell from 2018.

The Dutchman though has snubbed that chance and instead decided to replace Alonso at Leverkusen. The Spaniard has joined , with Ten Hag hoping to build on Alonso's work at the BayArena, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last year.

"I'm really happy to be here and I’ve had a warm reception. The discussions with the management were very good. I've been following the Bundesliga and Bayer 04 for a long time," Ten Hag said.

"The club has always been innovative and has taken big steps towards becoming an absolute title contender over recent years. You can feel the winning mentality, that's been created, everywhere throughout the club.

"The recent break did me good and gave me time to reflect. Therefore, I'm now full of energy and I want to settle in as soon as possible. The next days and weeks will obviously involve lots of discussions."

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