Following an 18-point penalty and relegation, Dutch club Vitesse has been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. This has only forced supporters to pitch in for survival.



This season was the first time in 35 years that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/vitesse-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Vitesse</a> had been demoted from the top division. The Dutch Football Association <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/dutch-giants-relegated-for-ties-to-ex-chelsea-owner-abramovich/">docked them 18 points</a> for willful and repeated violations of their license terms; and for giving the authorities false information.



Thus, the team is now in a mad dash to save their professional license for next season; especially after deciding not to appeal the suspension. According to <a href="https://www.gelderlander.nl/vitesse/vitesse-en-stadioneigenaar-verwachten-snel-een-deal-te-sluiten-nu-knvb-dreigt-met-intrekken-proflicentie~a20344cb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dutch news reports</a>, they have until May 17, the next licensing committee meeting, to pay off their $20.3 million in debt.



While the exact sum is not necessary, the club must demonstrate that they have a long-term strategy. If not, a possible dissolution and revocation of the football club’s professional license is imminent.



Within two weeks, the Arnhem club must prove to the KNVB licensing committee that they are financially healthy enough to play next season or beyond. Fail to do so, and they will be deemed bankrupt.



<h2>Many ex-players come to rescue for Vitesse in face of bankruptcy</h2>



As a result, a campaign called “For Yellow-Black” has been started on the club’s website, and it asks fans to provide large amounts of money to ensure the club’s survival.



“Donations are coming in from every nook and cranny,” Vitesse captain Marco van Ginkel told the club’s website. “Of course, we as a group cannot lag behind. That is why we have all decided to make a salary sacrifice to the club. We also hope to make a nice contribution. On to the two million!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240503_WST_504994_Vitesse-struggles-1200x670_bc10942b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-505005" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Vitesse-struggles-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Vitesse-struggles-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Vitesse-struggles-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Vitesse-struggles.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Some of the people who helped out with the crowdfunding effort include Guram Kashia, Wilfried Bony, Roy Makaay, Ronald Koeman, Leo Beenhakker, and Henk ten Cate, among others. The crowdfunding campaign was formally launched by John van den Brom, a former player and the new manager of Vitesse.



His announcement as head coach came just this week, but he already has a message up on the crowdfunding website pleading for supporters to chip in.



“With this, we hope to show everyone and everything in the Netherlands that Vitesse is alive. We also really need the revenue. This is the time to support the club!”, he said.



<h2>How close were Vitesse and Chelsea in their relationship?</h2>



Also, a number of ex-<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> players have chipped in to help salvage their struggling old club via the crowdfunding initiative. The Standard reports that Matt Miazga and Lewis Baker, both of whom were members of the Blues Academy, donated monetarily to the initiative.



Because of their penchant for signing Chelsea loanees, the former Eredivisie club gained fame outside of the Netherlands. They were even known as “Chelsea B” at one point because of the large number of Blues players loaned out to the Dutch club. The list even includes luminaries like Armando Broja and Mason Mount.



The two sides had a great working relationship during Roman Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea. A number of the club’s younger players had productive loan stints. Players such as Baker, Miazga, as well as Dominic Solanke were members of the club. On loan from Stamford Bridge, Vitesse received 29 players over a whole decade. Former Real Madrid player Martin Odegaard also played for the Arnhem outfit on a season-long loan in 2018-19.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Vitesse to go bankrupt? Ex-Chelsea players donate to save club

Following an 18-point penalty and relegation, Dutch club Vitesse has been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy.

Even though Graham Potter rejected Ajax before, they are reportedly still waiting for him.



After dismissing Maurice Steijn in October 2023, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule">Eredivisie</a> club are still looking for a new permanent manager. Since then, interim head coach John van’t Schip has failed miserably in his attempts to turn the team’s fortunes around.



As of right now, the Dutch giants are in the midst of their worst season since the Eredivisie league started. Under Maurice Steijn’s leadership, the team began the season in the bottom three; the club appointed John Van ‘t Schip as temporary manager until the end of the season.



With their heaviest-ever loss to bitter Rotterdam rivals Feyenoord—6-0 last weekend—<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ajax-tv-schedule">Ajax</a>‘s disgraceful season reached a new low point. Currently, the team is in fifth place in the Eredivisie standings, 33 points behind leaders PSV.



<h2>Potter wants England return</h2>



Many managers are on Ajax’s radar at the moment, but rumor has it that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/potter-vs-pochetino-who-has-better-win-rate-at-chelsea-20240110-WST-482571.html">Graham Potter</a> is their top target. Thus, they reportedly approached the ex-Chelsea and Brighton for a senior coaching position in Amsterdam, according to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13110694/graham-potter-holds-talks-over-ajax-head-coach-job-but-ex-chelsea-boss-not-currently-sold-on-struggling-dutch-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sports</a>.



But Potter isn’t keen on playing the part just yet. Rumor has it that Potter has decided against returning to coaching just yet, although talks have supposedly taken place. The two sides met to go over the club’s ambitions and financial situation in Amsterdam.



It is widely believed that Manchester United would consider the 48-year-old when making their decision to fire Erik ten Hag this summer. That could easily rule out taking on a reconstruction project at the Johan Cruyff Arena. What’s more, it would open the door to a potential overhaul at Old Trafford.



Alex Kroes, the new CEO of Ajax, was surprised to hear that Potter, who was let go at Stamford Bridge over a year ago, was considering going back to Holland to start again in his career.



<h2>Ajax not giving up</h2>



Following a rough seven months at Stamford Bridge, Potter was let go by Chelsea in April of last year, leaving him without a job. To get Potter and his coaching staff out of Brighton, Chelsea spent almost $25 million; nevertheless, he is now free to sign with any team.



Numerous European clubs and national teams have already inquired about his availability. Even more shocking is the fact that he turned down opportunities to coach both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ex-chelsea-boss-graham-potter-offered-new-job-reply-revealed-20230907-WST-454560.html">Lyon</a> and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/graham-potter-tied-to-surprising-move-as-international-manager-20231102-WST-466867.html">Swedish national team</a>.



When the correct opportunity presents itself, Potter will return to management. Thus, Sky add that he is now looking for work in England and has thus rejected the offer from the Netherlands.



But it isn’t going to stop Ajax from wanting the 48-year-old boss. Ignoring his earlier rejection, they are reportedly still putting Potter at the top of their desire list. In addition, <a href="https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/voetbalpodcast-graham-potter-staat-nog-bovenaan-bij-ajax~a96087be/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Algemeen Dagblad</a> suggest that he is still the number one option in Amsterdam.



Potter reportedly plans to take his time and research all of his alternatives before settling on a course of action for his future. The report even mentions Xavi, the head coach of Barcelona, and Pepijn Lijnders, an assistant coach at Liverpool as alternatives.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Bildbyran

No EPL return? Dutch strugglers holding out hope of luring Potter

Even though former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter rejected Ajax before, they are reportedly still waiting for him.

No EPL return? Dutch strugglers holding out hope of luring Potter - World Soccer Talk

This week, Dutch powerhouse Ajax is signing Jordan Henderson, a former captain of Liverpool. Reports indicate the 33-year-old Englishman <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/is-amsterdam-calling-jordan-henderson-quits-saudi-arabia-20240117-WST-483806.html">inked a deal with the Eredivisie</a> side for two-and-a-half years. 



His recent stay in Saudi Arabia will come to a swift conclusion as a result. On Thursday, Henderson flew to Amsterdam to complete the transfer paperwork and get a medical clearance.



The midfielder has just been at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq for six months as of July 2022. Nevertheless, it seems as if he will be returning to European soccer with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/">Eredivisie</a> giants.



<h2>Terrible season no problem for Henderson</h2>



By acquiring a midfielder with a stellar resume, Ajax has scored a huge coup. After losing the Eredivisie championship to PSV Eindhoven last season, de Godenzonen wants to win it back this year.



Throughout his 12-year tenure with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>, Henderson amassed a trophy case. It’s no secret that the veteran’s CV includes trophies from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> and the UEFA Champions League.



He also established himself as a captain and leader who inspired his teammates with around 500 appearances in the Reds jersey. What is more, his extensive background and winning attitude will be a huge asset to interim manager, Jan van Halst.



Now that the European Championship is quickly coming, Henderson is hoping to keep his name in the mind of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> manager Gareth Southgate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240118_WST_483996_Henderson-Saudi-1200x670_9790e77f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-484051" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Henderson-Saudi-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Henderson-Saudi-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Henderson-Saudi-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Henderson-Saudi.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Considering their usual standards, Ajax had a terrible season; they are now in fifth place in the Eredivisie. Henderson, however, would seem unconcerned by their situation.



<h2>Al-Ettifaq left Henderson with no salary</h2>



Leaving Saudi Arabia will provide the English midfielder the utmost relief. The decision was contentious and disastrous, so this is especially true in light of its aftermath.



Joining Al-Ettifaq in July for a major salary drew heavy criticism from many since it meant Henderson would be traveling to a nation that had a death penalty for homosexuality. In the past, the player had openly positioned himself as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.



He was driven to make the transfer by a substantial salary—estimated to be about $444,000 per week. Despite this, Henderson vehemently denied it. Unfortunately, things could not have turned out worse for him.



He has not yet received a single cent of his hefty pay in the Saudi Pro League. According to the Telegraph, the player has postponed payments for the last six months, meaning he has not even had a fraction of his enticing $19 million annual salary.&nbsp;



To make matters worse, the article implies that some of the player’s associates think Henderson will never get his money. He delayed his salary for tax reasons; rumors have it that he did this to return to the UK and play for England.



UK law deems a person a resident for tax purposes if they spend more than 90 days in the nation. A major factor in the player’s inability to spend time back home was the restriction on his ability to travel.



The report mentions the player was informed he needed three weeks pro rata in the UK to be a non-resident. Since then, he has not received any payment from his time in Saudi Arabia, raising doubts about receiving it at all.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Saudi nightmare: Henderson may never see Al-Ettifaq salary

Due to salary deferrals, Ajax-bound midfielder Jordan Henderson has made no money during his brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.

Feyenoord’s rising star Santiago Gimenez is currently one of the most sought-after talents in soccer, and numerous top European clubs have been strongly linked to him. 



In light of this, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham</a> are reportedly intensifying their interest in the promising striker, who has been making a name for himself in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a>.



The 22-year-old is a Mexican player who has been with the Dutch club since 2022. He has been in top form since the beginning of the season, scoring an impressive 13 goals in just nine Eredivisie appearances and providing three assists.



Furthermore, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> international netted a brace in the UEFA Champions League, helping secure a 3-1 victory over Lazio earlier this week. In the Rotterdam-based outfit’s initial two matches against Celtic and Atletico Madrid, Gimenez was serving a suspension from the previous season and had to sit out.



<h2>Spurs step up pursuit</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/santiago-gimenez-scores-hat-trick-as-feyenoord-finish-off-ajax-20230927-WST-458827.html">Santiago Gimenez</a> appears to be on the verge of a significant move away from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/">Eredivisie</a>, as his goal-scoring exploits played a pivotal role in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/feyenoord-tv-schedule/">Feyenoord</a> securing the title last season. 



Rather than allowing him to depart after just one year, his current club took measures to extend his contract until 2027 back in August.



However, they are fully aware that interest in his services is likely to intensify once again in 2024, given his impressive start to the new season, reminiscent of his breakthrough in European soccer.



Notably, the ex-Cruz Azul star has already netted 15 goals in his first 11 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign. He is well on his way to surpassing his goal tally from the 2022-23 season, which was already commendable with 23 goals in 45 games.



According to <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-santiago-gimenez-feyenoord-spurs-31303376?s=03" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mirror</a>, Spurs’ scouts were there at De Kuip to witness the Mexican striker score twice in the team’s 3-1 triumph over Lazio. Additionally, they are prepared to satisfy the January valuation set by the Dutch club.



Spurs still need to replace <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tottenham-accepts-bayern-bid-for-harry-kane-20230810-WST-449045.html">Harry Kane</a>, who departed for Bayern Munich, in terms of goal scoring, even if there hasn’t been a need for it up to this point. Moreover, Gimenez is being observed, who scores a goal on average for each ninety minutes he plays.



Actually, the London team first became aware of the player when they were considering Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as a possible manager the previous season. In each of those encounters, Spurs and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> have kept an eye on the 22-year-old, and Daniel Levy intends to take the lead in the upcoming year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="370" height="556" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231029_WST_465774_image-2.webp&amp;width=370&amp;height=556" alt="" class="wp-image-465801" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/image-2.png 370w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/image-2-200x300.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px"></figure><figcaption>Fabrizio Romano gives an update on Gimenez via Twitter</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What did Fabrizio Romano say?</h2>



Fabrizio Romano has corroborated the reports of Ange Postecoglou’s side’s interest in Gimenez. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Feyenoord will not be inclined to allow the prolific Mexican striker to depart for a bargain fee during the January transfer window.



“We know very well that many top clubs around Europe are keeping an eye on the boy [Gimenez]. From what I’m hearing, something around $47.6 million could be the right fee to make it happen”, Romano said on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73NnzJrkxms&amp;ab_channel=FabrizioRomano" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel</a>.



“Let’s see if [it’s] in the January window or in the summer window. It depends on Feyenoord, more than on the player. The interest of many clubs is there. I think we saw Tottenham linked because from what I’m told, Tottenham scouts have been following the player already last year.



“While they were following the [Feyenoord] manager [Arne Slot] they saw that Santi Gimenez is absolutely a very good striker. So Santi Gimenez for sure is a player who is interesting for Tottenham, but also for many other clubs around Europe, and this is why decisions will be made in the next months.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / ANP

Santiago Gimenez mania: EPL side emerge as early favorites

One Premier League team is trying to outshine the others in order to recruit Feyenoord's emerging sensation Santiago Gimenez.

Santiago Gimenez mania: EPL side emerge as early favorites - World Soccer Talk

Questions over Erik ten Hag’s future have arisen as Manchester United continue to struggle.



In spite of high hopes for the new season, the Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford has been marred by a nightmare run of losses. 



After moving to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/">Ajax</a>, he enjoyed an outstanding first year, helping the club finish third in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.



Late drama and two goals from substitute Scott McTominay helped the Red Devils come from behind and defeat Brentford on Saturday. 



However, the club’s supporters have seen some alarming things in the team’s recent humiliating losses to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/galatasaray-stuns-10-man-united-at-old-trafford-20231003-WST-460145.html">Galatasaray</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/galatasaray-stuns-10-man-united-at-old-trafford-20231003-WST-460145.html">Crystal Palace</a>.



The pressure is on new goalie Andre Onana after he made many costly mistakes in recent games, including one this weekend that almost cost his side another disappointing result. 



As a result, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ten-hag-says-man-utd-remains-united-after-reported-rift-20230922-WST-457984.html">Ten Hag</a> is under increasing scrutiny, and rumors regarding his future in England are widespread.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Will this be a turning point for Erik ten Hag and United? 🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mufc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/TkDrZcH8XE">pic.twitter.com/TkDrZcH8XE</a>— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) <a href="https://twitter.com/UtdDistrict/status/1710935562855547059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>Fallouts with Ronaldo and Sancho didn’t help</h5>



The summer’s high-profile purchases raised anticipation levels to new heights at Old Trafford, where the club had already made permanent acquisitions of players like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/onana-may-skip-afcon-to-focus-on-man-united-says-report-20231005-WST-460509.html">Onana</a>, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund. Ten Hag’s future looks bleak with just 12 points after eight Premier League games and two straight UEFA Champions League defeats.



His tenure at Manchester has been further complicated by the fact that he has clashed with a superstar of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/erik-ten-hag-says-he-did-not-lose-sleep-over-ronaldo-departure-20230305-WST-422311.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> caliber, as well as former Borussia Dortmund ace <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/jadon-sancho-to-be-given-lifeline-by-former-man-utd-coach-20230928-WST-459188.html">Jadon Sancho</a>. Now that he has had greater funds to spend on the transfer market, he must produce a dramatic turnaround in the team’s fortunes.



<h5>Back to familiar territory?</h5>



The stakes are becoming higher, and speculation about Ten Hag’s future is rife, claims Mike Verwijn, a journalist from the Netherlands. And he thinks he may come back to Ajax to replace Mark Steijn.



“You hear people talking about that, like: would Ten Hag want to return? He has now tasted the Premier League and I think that after his successful period at Ajax there will be more interest in him. On the other hand: it is a wonderful moment to join Ajax now. It couldn’t get much worse, so I think that if he is fired, he will become a candidate again in the long term,” Verwijn said.



As the Dutch titans are also struggling, local TV journalist Kenneth Perez also believes a return to Amsterdam is possible, suggesting to <a href="https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/1155026/perez-over-mogelijke-ten-hag-terugkeer-bij-ajax.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN’s Voetbalpraat</a>: “Imagine if Erik ten Hag were fired, would it be very crazy for Ajax to ask him back? Manchester United is known for the fact that things can get difficult if things don’t go well. Then it’s not a crazy idea, is it?”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Sportimage

Heat is on for Erik ten Hag at Man Utd: Surprise switch on cards?

The future of former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag has been called into doubt as Manchester United's struggles continue.

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