Louis van Gaal interested in Netherlands job as Ronald Koeman prepares to leave

Former Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal has made himself available to return as Netherlands boss after recovering from prostate cancer, with Ronald Koeman expected to depart following the team’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Van Gaal has been away from management for an extended period, having last worked at the 2022 World Cup. His absence has been partly linked to his battle with cancer, but the 74-year-old says his health problems are now behind him and he is keen to consider a return to international management.

A fourth spell in charge of the Netherlands could now be a possibility. According to Mundo Deportivo, citing De Telegraaf, Van Gaal has offered himself for the position as the Dutch Football Association considers its options.

The former Barcelona manager has already led the Netherlands on three occasions. He first took charge in 2000, before returning for a second spell in 2012 and a third in 2021. His most recent tenure ended after the 2022 World Cup.

Van Gaal’s potential candidacy is understood to have been strengthened by the availability of other leading Dutch coaches. Arne Slot, the former Liverpool manager, has indicated that he would prefer to remain in club football rather than take charge of the national team.

Peter Bosz and Erik ten Hag are also currently committed to club roles. Bosz is in charge of PSV Eindhoven, while Ten Hag is managing Twente.

Those circumstances could leave Van Gaal as a prominent option if the Netherlands begin their search for a successor to Koeman. However, the Dutch Football Association has not contacted him at this stage, and no appointment has been made.

Despite that, Van Gaal’s return has not been ruled out. His experience with the Netherlands, together with his stated desire to coach one of the major national teams again, means he remains a possible candidate for the role.

Van Gaal was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, during the period in which he was managing the Netherlands. He has since recovered and is now said to be in very good health.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Van Gaal said: “Health problems are a thing of the past”.

The reported change in the Netherlands’ managerial situation is linked to Koeman’s decision to leave after the side’s underwhelming showing at the 2026 World Cup. That would create the possibility of Van Gaal beginning a fourth term with the national team, although the Dutch Football Association has yet to open formal discussions with him.

For now, Van Gaal’s possible return remains an option rather than a confirmed appointment. His offer to take the job, however, places one of the most experienced figures in Dutch football back into consideration as the Netherlands assess their next manager.