Explained: Why ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter turned down chance to manage Ajax

Ajax showed the door to Maurice Steijn in October and got on board John van’t Schip as an interim solution. However, the stop-gap arrangement failed to produce the desired results. Potter, aged 48, has been available for managerial roles following his departure from Chelsea and had allegedly engaged in discussions with Ajax, who have long admired the Englishman's managerial capabilities.

According to The Athletic,despite being impressed by Ajax's infrastructure and sporting project, Potter deemed that it was not the right time for him to jump on the ship. Whereas, Dutch publication Het Parool claimed that the manager backed off the deal as the Dutch giants did not want to match his wage demands.

Since leaving Chelsea, Potter has been presented with multiple job opportunities, but he remains cautious in his approach, carefully assessing each option before making a return to the managerial dugout. The English manager is also reportedly on the shortlist of Borussia Dortmund as the Black & Yellows were supposedly looking to replace Edin Terzic. However, after Terzic led them to the Champions League final things could go back to square one at Signal Iduna Park. He is also believed to be on Manchester United's list of managers to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

After Potter declined to take on the job, Ajax must continue their search for a new manager. They desperately need a fresh stimulus in the think tank as they could finish fifth in Eredivisie. They are currently 35 points behind leaders PSV and will aim to cap off their campaign on a perfect note with wins against Almere and Vitesse.