Ajax's Míchel Chase Faces Epic Payday Hurdle – Will Cruijff Splash the Cash?
Ajax are targeting Girona manager Míchel to fill their vacant hotseat, but his €3-4 million salary dwarfs the club's previous record payout to Erik ten Hag. Backed by City Football Group, Míchel guided Girona to Champions League qualification, making a pay cut unlikely. Other targets include Pep Guardiola and Xavi as Cruijff hunts for the next big name.
Ajax's Míchel Chase Faces Epic Payday Hurdle – Will Cruijff Splash the Cash?
Fancy a managerial merry-go-round with a side of wallet warfare? Ajax are reportedly sniffing around Girona boss Míchel, but landing the Spaniard could be trickier than parking a white van in Amsterdam on matchday. The Dutch giants need a new gaffer, and while the interest is bubbling, one massive stumbling block looms large: cold, hard cash.
Rumours Swirl in the Transfer Tavern
Transfer guru Matteo Moretto from RadioMarca dropped the bombshell this week, claiming Ajax are pushing hard to snag Míchel. Not so fast, said Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, who swatted it down like a pesky fly. Still, whispers suggest the Eredivisie heavyweights have had the 43-year-old on their wishlist for ages.
Just how serious is it? That's the million-euro question – literally. Míchel's contract at Girona ticks down to its end, but jumping ship to the Johan Cruyff Arena might mean swapping sun-soaked Spain for Dutch drizzle. And no one takes a pay cut for that without a fight.
Salary Showdown: Kings' Ransom or Bargain Bin?
Enter financial whizz José de la Verde, Ajax's go-to number-cruncher on X. He reckons Míchel pulls in a whopping €3-4 million a year at Girona. Blink and you'll miss it: that's more than Ajax have ever forked out for a manager. Erik ten Hag holds the club record at €3 million – and he legged it to Manchester United for even bigger bucks.
Why the mega-wages? Girona's backed by the deep-pocketed City Football Group, the same mob propping up Man City. Míchel repaid them handsomely, steering the minnows to Champions League glory in 2024/25. No wonder he's sitting pretty – but Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff might need to raid the piggy bank or sell a few jerseys to compete.
Oh, and plot twist: Míchel rarely travels solo. He drags along trusty assistant Salva Fúne, potentially doubling the bill. It's like buying a buy-one-get-one-free deal where the 'free' one costs extra.
Who's Next in the Hotseat Hotlist?
Míchel's not the only name floating in Ajax's rumour soup. De Telegraaf reckon Cruijff's got his eyes on the impossible dream: Pep Guardiola. Yeah, that Pep, the City maestro who's turned down every tap on the shoulder since breakfast. Dream big or go home, eh?
Xavi's also popped up before, the Barcelona icon with his tiki-taka DNA. Whether it's pipe dreams or proper punts, Ajax need someone sharp to steady the ship after a rocky spell. The fans are gagging for glory – will Cruijff deliver, or is this just pub chat fodder?
Picture the scene: Míchel in an Ajax kit, barking orders amid the tulips, or Pep strolling into the Amsterdam ArenA like he owns the place. Either way, it's set to be a saga worth watching. Keep your eyes peeled, lads – this one's got legs, and maybe a few extra zeros on the transfer fee.
(Word count: 528)