Ajax made February approach for Ernesto Valverde, but he plans a break

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·20 May 2026

Ajax made February approach for Ernesto Valverde, but he plans a break

As reported by as.com, Ajax approached Ernesto Valverde in February to take charge of their first team next season.

Sporting director Jordi Cruyff knows the Athletic coach’s qualities, and it was already known at Ibaigane that his spell in Bilbao would end on 30 June.

OneFootball Videos

Plans to court German coach Terzic had been set in motion months earlier.

Valverde wants a breather from management. Beyond Ajax, he has also had approaches from abroad to keep him on the touchline.

After facing Celta at San Mamés on Sunday, he said he needed to pause following a very demanding season, felt a short break was best, and made clear he would not take a job now, discouraging any immediate proposals.

Source: as.com