Erik ten Hag enjoyed a massively successful four-and-a-half-year tenure as Ajax manager during his time at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Under Ten Hag's management, Ajax won two Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, one Dutch Super Cup, and he also led Ajax to a Champions League semi-final in 2019.

Since the departure of Ten Hag to Manchester United in 2022, Ajax have gone from the best team in the Netherlands to failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Ajax came very close to winning the league in 2025 under Francesco Farioli's guidance, but every other manager, apart from Farioli, since Ten Hag has failed.

It's obviously not only the fault of the managers. Ajax's recruitment before this summer has been nothing short of disastrous. Ajax had a reputation for developing young players and selling them for big fees to clubs abroad, both players who were signed for low prices as well as players who came through the academy. In recent years, Ajax have struggled to do that to the same extent they did a few years ago.

Following the appointment of Jordi Cruijff as technical director, Ajax finally have a person in charge who knows what he is doing and knows what it will take to bring Ajax back to the top of Dutch football. After a turbulent few years, things are finally looking good again in Amsterdam.

Speaking to the Helden Magazine, Ten Hag revealed that Ajax's fall in recent years has bothered him.

"That naturally breaks my heart. When I left, there was a good foundation to build upon," Ten Hag said, speaking on what has happened at Ajax since he left.

"A strong squad and a good academy. That has largely disappeared at the moment. Jong Ajax finished last in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. That is, of course, heartbreaking.

Despite what has happened since his departure, Ten Hag still looks back on his time in Amsterdam fondly. 

"We built several successful teams. What gives me a lot of satisfaction is that we almost reached the Champions League final in 2019, and we did so with beautiful football.

"I look back on it with pleasure, although I am someone who mainly looks ahead."

Ajax have had an incredible transfer window, and it is expected they will further strengthen their squad in the coming weeks.

Marc ter Stegen is an excellent goalkeeper, and while his best days are behind him, he is still a top player and adds a lot of experience to Michel Sanchez's squad.

Julian Brandt is arguably the best signing so far. Brandt was a crucial player during his seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund and was still performing at a high level last season. There is a very big possibility that he will quickly establish himself as the best player in the Eredivisie.

There were also Premier League clubs who wanted to sign Brandt, so the fact that Ajax still managed to secure his signature is very impressive.

Marcos Leonardo is also very highly regarded, and the signings of Daley Blind, Caio Henrique and Tolu Arokodare all strengthen Ajax in different ways.

When the transfer window closes, Ajax will have a squad capable of winning the Eredivisie, and there is also a very strong possibility that Ajax will go far and potentially win the Conference League.