Liverpool copies Trent Alexander-Arnold move with Johnny Heitenga statement

Yahoo

11 hours ago

Liverpool issued a blunt farewell message to Johnny Heitinga after he accepted an offer to become Ajax's new head coach. Heitinga only joined the Reds a year ago, but the chance to take charge of the club he made over 200 appearances for proved too tempting to resist.
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Heitinga, a former Everton defender, has signed a two-year contract with Ajax, ignoring advice from Arne Slot, who had told the 41-year-old to continue his development as coach at Anfield for one more year.
"Liverpool FC can confirm John Heitinga is to depart the club to take up the role of Ajax head coach," a Liverpool statement said. "The 41-year-old leaves the Reds after one season in the backroom team, operating as assistant coach to Arne Slot.
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"He now assumes a position in charge of former club Ajax in his native Netherlands. John leaves with our gratitude and appreciation for his role in our 2024-25 Premier League title win."
The Liverpool statement did not include well-wishes for the future, which was also the case when the Reds confirmed Alexander-Arnold's exit.
"Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window," a statement published on Friday said.
"The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.
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Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1.
"Alexander-Arnold joined the club's Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure was confirmed in a similarly cold statement -Credit:/Getty Images For The Premier League
"He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.
"Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
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Heitinga went against Slot's recommendation in taking the Ajax job, after the Liverpool head coach responded to a question about Ajax's interest in him last week by recommending that he should stay on Merseyside for now.
'If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him. He is ready to take on a job like that,' Slot told reporters last week.
'If John is smart, he would stay one more season.'