On Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, Ajax's director of football, Marijn Beuker, revealed that the club is in good contact with former player Simon Tahamata, who is open to a potential return. This comes after a tumultuous year for the club legend, who was let go in March 2024 by former technical director Sven Mislintat and Maurits Hendriks. Tahamata had spent years working as a technique trainer for Ajax's youth teams before his departure.
In an appearance on the show Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Beuker discussed the importance of bringing back trainers with what he referred to as "Ajax DNA." He highlighted the recent re-signings of Fred Grim and Ismail Aissati, emphasizing that the club is looking to strengthen its coaching staff with familiar faces. "We are in good contact with him [Tahamata]," Beuker stated. "It's something to look at: What does he want? What do we want?"
Tahamata, who played 149 matches for Ajax and scored two goals for the Netherlands in his international career, has been working at a football academy in Berlin since his departure. His exit from Ajax was met with an emotional farewell from the fans during a home match against FC Utrecht, where they displayed a large banner in tribute to him.
Despite the time that has passed, Tahamata has expressed his dissatisfaction with how his exit was handled. In a statement made in November 2024, he admitted he was still not over his departure from the club. "Ajax won't keep icons like this," he lamented, reflecting on the club's management decisions.
Beuker confirmed that he has had positive interactions with Tahamata, having worked with him for a month before his move to Berlin. "I found it very pleasant," Beuker commented, indicating a desire to rekindle their professional relationship. "He's a fantastic trainer for the youth, and we are always open to a return, but it's not simple."
Hans Kraay Junior, a commentator on the show, chimed in to emphasize that Tahamata is eager to return to Ajax. "He really wants to come back," Kraay asserted, pushing Beuker to take concrete steps toward making it happen. Beuker responded, "Let's first discuss it with him. I will do my best to make it happen."
As Ajax navigates a challenging season, the potential return of Tahamata could bring a fresh perspective to the club's youth development strategy. With a rich history at Ajax, Tahamata's experience and connection to the club could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the academy and the first team.
Simon Tahamata made his debut for the Netherlands on May 22, 1979, in a friendly match against Argentina, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Over the course of his international career, he earned 21 caps, scoring twice for his country. His legacy at Ajax is marked not only by his on-field contributions but also by his commitment to developing young talent.
The ongoing discussions between Beuker and Tahamata highlight Ajax's commitment to fostering a strong connection with its past while looking to the future. As the club seeks to rebuild and strengthen its identity, bringing back a former player with deep ties to Ajax's philosophy could be a significant step in the right direction.
In conclusion, the possibility of Simon Tahamata's return to Ajax is an exciting prospect for fans and the club alike. With Beuker's commitment to engaging with former players and coaches who embody the club's values, Ajax could be on the verge of revitalizing its youth program and instilling a sense of pride and tradition back into the organization.
