Barcelona boss Xavi is the latest name to be linked with a move to Ajax this summer, as the Dutch giants prepare for a dramatic overhaul. The Eredivisie side enter the final four matches of their season desperate to claim a European place after a disastrous start to 2022/23. A deal until 2026 has been touted for the Barca legend, who announced in January he would depart Camp Nou.

The 44-year-old coach said the job had worn him down. “You often feel there is lack of respect, you feel that your work is not appreciated,” Xavi said. I am a positive guy but the energy goes down, down, down, until the point at which you say: it makes no sense.

It makes no sense to continue. That’s how I explain it.” Former Ajax winger Van ‘t Schip was appointed by the Dutch giants on an interim basis after Maurice Steijn left the club in October.

By that point they had picked up just five points in seven matches and lay in 17th position in the league. Van ‘t Schip has helped drive the club into fifth place in the Eredivise. The 59-year-old Van ‘t Schip will move into a technical role at the end of the season.

This will see the club required to appoint a new chief executive, coach, director of football and an academy boss in the coming months. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

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