Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool have given \u2018permission\u2019 for a key man to leave the club amid \u2018advanced\u2019 discussions with a European giant.<\/p>\n
Arne Slot made a mockery of those that suggested a hangover following Jurgen Klopp\u2019s departure was inevitable. The Dutchman helped Liverpool<\/a> cruise to the Premier League title and has earned rave reviews for his tactical acumen and mid-match tweaks.<\/p>\n Slot brought a whole new coaching staff to Anfield when arriving last summer including one name who had previous experience on Merseyside.<\/p>\n John Heitinga \u2013 who formerly played for Everton \u2013 was installed as Slot\u2019s assistant. The 41-year-old had previous top level experience after managing Ajax for six months in 2023 and his appointment was viewed as a serious coup.<\/p>\n But according to the latest from transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, Heitinga\u2019s spell with Liverpool could be a one and done.<\/p>\n Taking to X<\/a>, Romano revealed the Dutchman is deep in discussions to return to Ajax and replace\u00a0Francesco Farioli \u2013 who departed on May 19 \u2013 as manager.<\/p>\n \u201cLiverpool gives permission to John Heitinga for talks with Ajax as negotiations to become the new head coach are advanced,\u201d wrote Romano.<\/p>\n \u201cLiverpool have begun the process of looking at replacements if the Heitinga deal goes through, as looks likely.\u201d<\/p>\n John Heitinga returning to Ajax<\/strong><\/p>\n Heitinga led Liverpool out for the clash with Newcastle on February 26 while Slot and fellow assistant manager, Sipke Hulshoff, served a suspension.<\/p>\n Heitinga had previously come under consideration for a top level job in England, with West Brom understood to have taken a close look.<\/p>\n In any case, the Dutchman\u2019s future now appears to lay back in his home country with the biggest club in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n And although his exit will be a blow to Liverpool, he\u2019ll receive a warm send-off having played his part in Liverpool\u2019s record-equalling 20th league title.<\/p>\n Latest Liverpool news<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Liverpool set \u2018impossible\u2019 Ibrahima Konate price-tag for Real Madrid<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Liverpool deliver \u2018painful\u2019 Florian Wirtz transfer truth in \u2019embarrassment\u2019 to Germany\u2019s elite<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n