Graham Potter ‘rejects Ajax because he feels the project isn’t right’ – with Man United boss Erik ten Hag still a leading contender to take over at his former club
Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the chance to manage Ajax, potentially leaving the door open for Erik ten Hag if he were to leave Manchester United.
Potter, 50, had emerged as one of the leading candidates to take charge at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ajax are fifth in the Eredivisie and have been looked after by agent John van’t Schip since they fired Maurice Steijn in October.
However, he has rejected their overtures because he feels the project is not suitable for him The Athletics.
Mail Sport reported a few weeks ago that former manager Ten Hag would be Ajax’s first choice if he is available.
Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the opportunity to take over beleaguered Ajax
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is preferred by Ajax if he becomes available in the summer
He left the Dutch giants for Old Trafford in 2022 but is in danger.
Manchester United’s part owner Erik ten Hag could pull the trigger after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League and are on course for their worst result since the 1989–90 season.
Ten Hag was hailed as the next big thing for the Netherlands at Ajax, winning three national titles and two KNVB cups in five years.
He also led them to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018/19, where they were eliminated by a remarkable Tottenham comeback inspired by Lucas Moura.
Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
Todd Boehly gave him just 31 games after luring him from Brighton with the promise of time for a long-term project.
A £600 million spend the previous summer, when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge, indicated Boehly’s lofty ambitions, and a five-year contract was promising for Potter.
Ajax, fifth in the Eredivisie, has been managed by agent John van’t Schip since October
Potter has been out of work since being dropped by Chelsea in April last year
However, he failed to achieve the same fame he did at Ostersunds, Swansea and Brighton, and has been waiting for the right opportunity ever since.
It is perhaps no surprise that the Ajax project does not appeal to him. The usually imperious Dutch club is 35 points behind Eredivisie leader PSV and has had a downright miserable season.
