News Focus
- Ajax have reached a verbal agreement with Girona manager Míchel Sánchez to take charge next season
- The Spanish coach will leave La Liga for the Eredivisie when his current contract expires this summer
- New Ajax Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff played a key role in securing the appointment
- Girona face a crucial relegation battle on the final day of the season against Elche
- German club Bayer Leverkusen also wanted Míchel but have missed out on the manager
Dutch giants Ajax have secured a deal to bring Girona boss Míchel Sánchez to the Eredivisie for the next campaign. The agreement is almost complete, with only final details remaining.
The 50-year-old coach will depart La Liga at the end of the current term. His contract with the Catalan club finishes this summer, and he has chosen not to extend his stay.
Míchel has transformed Girona since taking over. He guided them to a remarkable third-place finish last season and their first-ever appearance in the Champions League. This came just two years after the team returned to Spain’s top flight.
Jordi Cruyff, who recently became Sporting Director at Ajax, led the move to hire Míchel. The pair know each other from Cruyff’s time at Barcelona. Bayer Leverkusen had also tried to sign the manager, but Ajax have won the race for his signature.
Girona currently face a tense final weekend in La Liga. They must defeat Elche at home on Saturday to avoid dropping to the second division. The team has not yet started searching for a replacement, as they focus entirely on staying up.
Míchel leaves as the most successful manager in Girona’s history. The club will hope to keep their status in the top tier, though their ability to attract quality players and coaches depends on which division they play in next season.