Mitchell van der Gaag, who previously served as Erik ten Hag's assistant manager at Manchester United, is reportedly in advanced discussions to take over as the head coach of Portuguese club Marítimo.
This potential appointment marks a significant career move for Van der Gaag, who was recently dismissed from his role as head coach of FC Zurich after a tenure of just five months. His departure from the Swiss club occurred in October 2025, leaving him available for new opportunities.
Marítimo, a club with which Van der Gaag has a strong historical connection, having played for them for five years and later coached their first team, is eager to secure his services. He is widely regarded as a club legend, and his return would likely be met with considerable enthusiasm from the fanbase.
The Portuguese club, having recently achieved promotion back to the top division, is embarking on a new sporting project and views Van der Gaag as the perfect individual to lead this initiative. Reports suggest that Marítimo is prepared to offer him a contract that would extend until the year 2028, indicating a long-term commitment.
Van der Gaag's coaching journey has been diverse, with previous stints in Portugal, Cyprus, and his native Netherlands. His most high-profile role, however, was his successful collaboration with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, where they achieved considerable success, followed by their time together at Manchester United.
His experience in various leagues and his proven track record, particularly his strong working relationship with Ten Hag, make him an attractive candidate for Marítimo as they aim to establish themselves in the top flight.
The club's belief in Van der Gaag's ability to implement his coaching philosophy and build a competitive team is evident in the reported contract offer, underscoring their ambition for the upcoming seasons.
As negotiations progress, the football world will be watching closely to see if Van der Gaag can replicate his past successes in a new managerial capacity at the Estádio do Marítimo.
