Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (38) returns to Ajax. The former striker will assist technical manager Gerry Hamstra. Together they take over the tasks of Marc Overmars, who had to leave Amsterdam because of transgressive behavior towards women. Huntelaar will sign until mid-2024.
Huntelaar, who ended his impressive football career with Schalke 04 last year, will follow programs from July that will allow him to further develop in his new role off the field. Huntelaar says he has always been interested in things that happen off the pitch. “I would like to broaden my knowledge in this area. That is possible in the trajectory that Ajax offers me. I am glad to be back and I am curious about what will happen in the coming period. I am also working on my trainer diploma. The knowledge I gain during that course will also help me with what I will be doing at Ajax.”
General manager Edwin van der Sar: ,,We were aware of his interests and his ambition to eventually become technical director at a professional club. For that reason, he has already had a look behind the scenes a few times since the summer and, for example, attended meetings of the management board and the supervisory board. The great thing about Klaas Jan is that he knows a lot about international top football, thinks things through carefully and that he has a clear opinion of his own. I am convinced that, even though he is new to this role, he will give it right away.”
The supervisory board and the management of Ajax want to appoint a new director of football affairs next summer.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.