Ajax Transfer Interest: Why I Declined

Thomas Vermaelen has confirmed that he was in contact with Ajax in 2024 about the coaching vacancy at Jong Ajax. The Belgian had discussions with the club management of the Amsterdam team, but it never really became concrete. Vermaelen says this in an interview with Ajax Showtime.

In May 2024 it was reported that Vermaelen would have been in the picture as trainer of Jong Ajax. However, according to the former Ajax player, this never became very concrete. “I did have contact with Ajax, but at that time it did not suit me in terms of timing,” he says. “It was not the right time to start working full-time as a coach and to move again.”

“I live in London and we have moved many times during my career,” continues Vermaelen, who wanted stability for his children. “It was difficult for me to move back to Amsterdam. It was not really an option. I quickly made it clear: the timing was not right.”

Ultimately, Frank Peereboom was appointed as the new head coach of Jong Ajax. Willem Weijs is now ultimately responsible for the Amsterdam team.

Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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