Liverpool’s preparations for next season extend beyond just player signings.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed via X that Johnny Heitinga will depart Anfield after being given the go-ahead by the club to accept a two-year managerial role at Ajax.
The former Everton defender, who joined Liverpool last summer, was part of Arne Slot’s backroom staff during their Premier League-winning campaign.
Heitinga, who previously coached under David Moyes at West Ham, is now returning to manage the club he once played for in Amsterdam.
This development follows recent reports noting that Marino Pusic, Slot’s former assistant at Feyenoord, is still without a role.
Liverpool focusing on backroom changes too
While efforts to sign top targets like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong continue—moves that Romano has also confirmed—the club is clearly addressing changes off the pitch as well.
Heitinga’s departure creates a vacancy in Slot’s coaching team that will need to be filled before pre-season begins in the coming weeks.
With Ajax reportedly finalizing Heitinga’s deal after receiving Liverpool’s approval, the door may now open for Slot to bring in a familiar face—possibly a reunion with his former assistant—as he builds his staff for the new campaign.
