Slot Commits to Liverpool Despite Ajax Overture and Season of Struggle

Arne Slot has made his position clear: he is staying put at Liverpool, having turned down the opportunity to return to the Eredivisie with Ajax.

The Dutch journalist Mike Verweij has confirmed that Ajax made enquiries about the Liverpool manager, only to be informed that Slot will not be making the switch. Speaking on De Telegraaf's Kick-off podcast, Verweij outlined the situation: "They also inquired about Arne Slot. Slot is still very firmly in the saddle; he is simply continuing at Liverpool. I also understood that Arne Slot is not very keen to go to Ajax at this point in his career."

Slot's commitment to the Merseyside club comes at a time when his second season has proven considerably more testing than his first. Since taking the reins in summer 2024 following Jurgen Klopp's departure, the 47-year-old delivered the Premier League title in his inaugural campaign during 2024/25. Yet this season has told a different story, with Liverpool tumbling out of the title race months ago. They are nonetheless expected to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, though Slot himself recognises the need for improvement.

The backing of Fenway Sports Group has proven decisive in his decision to remain. David Ornstein reported in mid-April on The Athletic FC podcast that Liverpool's ownership and sporting hierarchy intend to stick with Slot, even if Champions League football slips through their fingers come season's end.

Oscar García currently holds the interim manager's position at Ajax, having been appointed in March 2026. The Amsterdam club sit fourth in the Eredivisie with 55 points from 32 matches.

Yet speculation about Slot's future refuses to die down entirely. Gary Lineker has suggested that FSG might opt for a change of direction, potentially bringing in Xabi Alonso as a replacement. The former Real Madrid manager has been without a club since his departure from the Spanish giants in January 2026. Alonso was a target for Liverpool when they sought a successor to Klopp at the end of 2023/24, but chose to extend his stay at Bayer Leverkusen before eventually taking the Madrid job in summer 2025.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker acknowledged the case for giving Slot time to turn things around, whilst hedging his bets: "I would agree with that, but I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Xabi Alonso there next season, I wouldn't be surprised. I agree with you, but it's a brutal business this management game."