Ajax considering hiring former Barcelona executive as technical director | OneFootball

It has been a few years since the departure of Jordi Cruyff, who played a key role for Barcelona during the time Xavi Hernandez was the coach.

Cruyff played an integral part in helping Barcelona rebuild using homegrown talent while also bringing in gems like Raphinha and Jules Kounde.

And now, two years after his departure from Barcelona, Cruyff could finally make a return to European management.

Ajax shortlist Cruyff for technical director role

According to Dutch media, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Ajax are currently negotiating with Cruyff for the vacant technical director position.

The historic Amsterdam club are seeking a rapid management overhaul to address its current decline in the Eredivisie.

A delegation from Ajax travelled abroad on Monday for an exploratory meeting with the son of the legendary Johan Cruyff. CEO Menno Geelen and sporting director Marijn Beuker attended the meeting to assess a potential partnership.

Jordi Cruyff is a major candidate for Ajax for technical director role. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Soccerex)

Since February, Cruyff has been advising the Indonesian Football Federation, following his departure from Barcelona’s sporting management team.

His candidacy carries significant weight in Amsterdam, given his father’s unparalleled status at the club, where the stadium now bears his name.

Ajax’s search for a new technical director comes at a time when the club Ajax are dealing with institutional turbulence after announcing the resignation of previous director Alex Kroes on November 6.

The club, which is currently struggling in sixth place in the Eredivisie and sits 14 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven, views Cruyff as a serious contender to bring stability.

Ajax’s aim is to appoint a new technical director before the winter break. This new appointment would then be tasked with immediately implementing a new sporting strategy and finding a suitable coach to revive the four-time European champions.