Julian Ward does not seem as unfeasible for Ajax as previously thought, as can be concluded from a publication of The Telegraph. Liverpool’s director of football affairs says The Telegraph top of the list of the Amsterdammers in the search for a technical man. On Wednesday, local British media reported that Ward would be unfeasible for Ajax due to a non-compete clause in his contract with Liverpool, but according to news from The Telegraph does that not apply to foreign clubs. The British quality newspaper also reports that Ajax is now serious about the arrival of Ward.
The Telegraph wrote on Tuesday that Ward is in the picture at Ajax to fill the position of director of football affairs. After the departure of Marc Overmars in February 2022, this will be observed by the duo Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Gerry Hamstra. Driessen was on the air at the time of the revelation by the newspaper Inside today, where he also mentioned Ward’s name. The De Telegraaf’s football chief also mentioned a clause at the time, which, in contrast to reports from, among others Liverpool Echodoes not apply to Ajax.
According to reports, it is certain that 41-year-old Ward will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season. It was previously thought that the director of football affairs would have to wait at least a year before accepting a similar position elsewhere due to a competition clause, but that news does not seem to be correct. Ajax is said to have already held talks with the intended technical director, who is reportedly in the interest of ‘several European clubs’. Alex Kroes was also seen as one of Overmars’ intended successors in Amsterdam, but he would like to remain in his position as director of International Football Strategy at AZ.
Edwin van der Sar added on Monday evening Rondo want to clarify the position of technical director within two months. “That could be someone from within the club or from outside the club,” he added. The general manager of Ajax also indicated that something would change in terms of set-up. “We are going to split the position. The position of technical director has become so much bigger.”