Ajax director Marijn Beuker has set the football world abuzz with his latest comments on ESPN’s Goedemorgen Eredivisie, confirming the club’s interest in re-signing former stars Christian Eriksen and Dusan Tadic. The revelation, made during the popular Dutch football program, has sparked excitement among Ajax fans eager to see the return of two players who left indelible marks on the club’s recent history.
Beuker, who assumed the role of Ajax’s director of football in December 2023, spoke candidly about the club’s transfer ambitions as they look to bolster their squad. “He [Eriksen] is one of the players who has performed fantastically with us in the past that we are thinking about,” Beuker said. “There will be multiples in the media. Other names mentioned are those of Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind.” His comments suggest Ajax is exploring a strategy of bringing back experienced talents to complement their renowned youth development system.
Christian Eriksen, currently with Manchester United, rose to prominence during his time at Ajax between 2010 and 2013. The Danish midfielder played 162 matches for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 65 assists, while helping Ajax secure three consecutive Eredivisie titles. Now 33, Eriksen’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, making him a free agent and an attractive prospect for a return to Amsterdam.
Dusan Tadic, meanwhile, remains a fan favorite from his more recent stint at Ajax between 2018 and 2023. The Serbian playmaker captained the side to the Eredivisie title in 2019 and 2021-22, and famously led Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Tadic, now 36, departed for Fenerbahçe in 2023 on a free transfer after a fallout with then-technical director Sven Mislintat. Like Eriksen, his contract with the Turkish club is set to expire this summer, opening the door for a potential homecoming.
Beuker also name-dropped Daley Blind, another Ajax academy product currently with Girona, as part of the club’s considerations. However, it was the mentions of Eriksen and Tadic that stole the headlines, given their stellar contributions during their respective tenures.
While Beuker’s comments have ignited speculation, he was quick to temper expectations with a pragmatic outlook. “Such players are always an option to look at,” he explained. “But it has to fit into the phase we are in, and in the salary structure. You also don’t want to block youth players coming up. That we are open to thinking about it is clear. It just has to fit into the overall picture for the future.”
Ajax currently sit atop the Eredivisie table under manager Francesco Farioli, nine points clear of rivals PSV Eindhoven as they chase a 37th domestic title. The club’s strong position has fueled optimism, but Beuker’s remarks indicate a long-term vision that balances experience with the development of emerging talents like Jorrel Hato and Kenneth Taylor.
The prospect of Eriksen and Tadic returning has sent Ajax supporters into a frenzy. Social media platforms have been flooded with nostalgic clips of Eriksen’s silky playmaking and Tadic’s audacious flair, with many fans viewing their potential comebacks as a chance to recapture past glories. “Eriksen and Tadic back at Ajax? That’s the dream,” one supporter posted on X. “They’d bring so much quality and leadership.”