Liverpool 'considering former star to replace Heitinga as Slot's assistant'

A former Liverpool star could be set to come in to take the role of Arne Slot's assistant manager after it was confirmed that John Heitinga is leaving to take over as boss of Ajax.

The former Everton defender arrived at Anfield last summer and has served as Slot's No 2 throughout their Premier League-winning campaign.

However, Heitinga will have no involvement for the Reds in the 2025-26 campaign after coming to an agreement to take charge of Ajax.

The 41-year-old will now return to Amsterdam for the fourth time, having enjoyed two spells at the club as a player and a brief stint in charge of the senior side in 2023.

Heitinga has agreed a two-year contract and replaces Francesco Farioli, who departed the club after a single season in charge.

And Liverpool have already started considering replacements with an ex-player high on their list, according to the Liverpool Echo.

That player is Dirk Kuyt, who made 285 appearances for the Reds between 2006 and 2012.

He is expected to leave his job as Beerschot manager following their relegation from the Belgian Juliper Pro League.

Kuyt took charge of the Belgian outfit in 2023 and clinched promotion to the top flight in his first season.

However, he was unable to keep his side up there as they dropped straight back down.

Heitinga will be joined in the dugout by fellow Ajax academy graduate Marcel Keizer.

'John is a good coach with enormous drive,' said Ajax technical director Alex Kroes.

'He is ambitious and has further developed himself over the past few years in the Premier League and Champions League.

'John knows the club well and we are convinced that he, together with Marcel, will help improve our players and build on the progress made since last summer.'

The most successful club in the history of Dutch football, Ajax have not won an Eredivisie title since Erik ten Hag led the club to victory in 2022.