---
title: "Ten Hag refuses to rule out Ajax exit amid Everton speculation"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/ten-hag-refuses-to-rule-out-ajax-exit-amid-everton-speculation/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-10-24T06:00:26Z"
modified: "2019-10-24T06:00:26Z"
---

# Ten Hag refuses to rule out Ajax exit amid Everton speculation

Reported Everton managerial target Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out an Ajax exit.

With pressure having mounted on Marco Silva over the past month, the Toffees were reported to have considered a number of candidates to succeed the Portuguese coach if he couldn’t turn his fortunes around.

Ten Hag emerged at the top of that list, with Marcel Brands naming his compatriot as the ideal man to replace Silva in the Goodison Park hot-seat.

![Dan Mullan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2019/10/1147833512-1.jpg)

Weighing in on the speculation concerning interest in his future, Ten Hag spoke out about potentially leaving the Johan Cruyff Arena, claiming he is aware that he won’t be Ajax boss for ten years.

Speaking to Kicker ([via HITC)](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/23/erik-ten-hag-makes-intriguing-claim-after-everton-links-emerge/), when asked about his future, Ten Hag said:

> I do not rule out anything.
>
> But I’m almost 50 and not a dreamer. If (a departure) comes – or does not come – I’m totally happy and happy with Ajax, even though I know that I will not be a coach here for 10 years.

### Read Everton Verdict

It’s clear that Ten Hag is happy with Ajax, with the Dutch club delivering domestic success and continental opportunity on a seasonal basis.

However, the Dutchman does leave the door open should a club come in for him with a promising offer, and a move to the Premier League would likely be an attractive prospect.

Everton’s main issue comes in convincing Ten Hag to abandon Champions League football for European exclusion on Merseyside. It is yet another reason why qualifying for the Europa League is such a major must for the Blues going forward.