Oscar Garcia free after Ajax exit, linked to Anderlecht coach role

Former OH Leuven manager Oscar Garcia, 53, became a free agent after Ajax and he mutually terminated his contract early on Sunday, despite it originally running until June 30, 2027. His availability has sparked speculation that he could replace Jérémy Taravel as the next head coach of Belgian side Anderlecht.

Club officials have confirmed that Jérémy Taravel will not continue as Anderlecht’s T1 (head coach) for the coming season. Oscar Garcia, the former OH Leuven coach, is now listed among the names being considered to fill the vacancy.

Antoine Sibierski, Anderlecht’s sporting director, is spearheading the hunt for a new T1. Together with the club’s recruitment agency, he has accelerated the search following the appointment of a new sporting director.

Two candidates have emerged for the role. Karel Geraerts was named as a possible choice, but Sporting quickly denied any involvement, while Oscar Garcia had previously been linked to Neerpede.

Garcia’s contract with Ajax was set to expire on June 30, 2027, but the Dutch club announced on Sunday that both parties agreed to end the deal with immediate effect. The termination frees the 53‑year‑old Spaniard to explore other opportunities.

According to the Spanish outlet AS, the early exit may have been arranged to make Garcia available for another option. He is reportedly among the profiles that Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna have been evaluating as they consider a possible return to Spain.

Should Garcia take the Anderlecht job, it would be a notable surprise given his mixed record at OH Leuven, where his outspoken communication created internal tensions and led to his departure mid‑season. After a stint with Mexico’s Deportivo Guadalajara, he signed for Ajax, where he oversaw the club’s youth promises before the contract was cut short.