Image Credits: Imago Images
Ismail Kartal has officially returned to Fenerbahce for a fourth spell in charge, the Turkish Super Lig club confirmed on Thursday.
The club announced via Turkey’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that the 65-year-old has signed a one-year contract.
Kartal, who spent a decade at Fenerbahce as a player, previously managed the team in 2014-15, on an interim basis in 2021-22, and again during the 2023-24 season. He also served as assistant manager during two of the club’s most recent league title wins.
Fenerbahce have finished runners-up in the Turkish top flight for the past five seasons, while rivals Galatasaray have won the title four times in a row.
Former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt is set to leave FC Dordrecht to join Fenerbahce as assistant manager to Kartal. Kuyt, who played for the Turkish side between 2012 and 2015, is currently managing Dutch second-tier club FC Dordrecht.
Football Director Oğuz Çetin said: “I believe we have formed a very valuable technical team. I also want to announce the good news that Dirk Kuyt, who has also served the Fenerbahçe community, will be the first assistant to our dear coach İsmail.
“We met with him yesterday and reached an agreement. He will be our coach’s first assistant. He said he was very excited.
“He even said, ‘I left as a champion, and I am very excited and happy to be meeting with the team that will make us champions again, with our coach İsmail, and with the Fenerbahçe fans.’ “God willing, we will make Fenerbahçe champions by forming our coach’s technical team.”
Dirk Kuyt joined FC Dordrecht in 2025 after being dismissed by Belgian side Beerschot, whom he had guided to the second division title in 2024.
The Dutch coach was due to begin pre-season with Dordrecht on Friday, but with Kuyt keen to leave, the club are seeking compensation for his departure.
The Netherlands international joined Fenerbahce in 2012 from Liverpool, winning the Turkish Cup in his first season and the Süper Lig in 2014 – the club’s most recent league title.
Kuyt also enjoyed a successful six-year spell at Liverpool after arriving from Feyenoord in 2006, scoring 71 goals in over 250 appearances.
Since retiring, Kuyt has transitioned into coaching and continues to build his reputation in the Netherlands following a promising spell at FC Dordrecht.
Welcome home, İsmail Kartal. 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/AXYbGcihsQ
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) June 18, 2026