Potter REJECTS managerial return amid Man Utd interest

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 8 Apr 2024 11:15 BST
• 3 min read

Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the chance to become Ajax's new head coach despite holding talks with the Eredivisie club.

The former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion boss was shortlisted as Ajax's primary target, but Potter has rejected their approach amid links with Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag's position at Old Trafford remains under threat following their 4-3 midweek defeat to Chelsea and an unconvincing 2-2 draw against Liverpool, with Potter one of the options to replace him.

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The ex-Chelsea manager has also been linked with the England job after rumours that Gareth Southgate could step down from his post as Three Lions boss when Euro 2024 concludes.

Southgate has been mentioned as a contender to replace Ten Hag at Man Utd, but FootballTransfers understands that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is currently a more likely candidate.

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Graham Potter rejects Ajax

According to Sky Sports, Potter held positive talks with Ajax but has decided to reject their offer to join the club.

The Eredivisie giants suffered a humiliating 6-0 loss to Feyenoord on Sunday - their largest ever defeat in the Dutch top flight - and they are currently sixth in the table, seven points off European football.

Potter has been unemployed since April 2023, when he was fired as Chelsea manager.

The Londoners had appointed the 48-year-old as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel in September, but he was unable to improve results and he was sacked despite the fact Chelsea were forced to pay €17 million to bring him in from Brighton.

Ajax were interested in ending Potter's spell on the managerial sidelines following their dismal record of head coaches since Ten Hag's departure.

The Dutch giants are onto their fourth manager since Ten Hag left in 2022, with John van't Schip currently in charge. However, they are searching for a replacement ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, although their pursuit of Potter now appears to be over.