Image Credits: Imago Images
Turkish giants Fenerbahce have announced Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt as their new assistant manager ahead of the 2026/27 season.
He played at the club between 2012-2015. The Dutchman won the Super League championship there in the 2013/14 season, and he will be an assistant to head coach İsmail Kartal.
His first major job in the professional game came at ADO Den Haag in the Dutch second tier, where he was appointed head coach in the summer of 2022.
Although his time there was only six months, it offered a taste of the pressure that comes with managing.
Kuyt then took on a new challenge in Belgium, becoming head coach of Beerschot in the second division and overseeing their battle to stabilise after promotion and relegation swings.
Most recently, Kuyt has been working in the Netherlands again, taking charge of FC Dordrecht in the Eerste Divisie. Despite recently signing an extension there, the Liverpool favourite has opted to now make the switch to the Turkish Super Lig.
In a statement, Fenerbahce announced the widely reported move:
“Dirk Kuyt, who played an important role in our club’s championship in his football career and won the love and appreciation of our fans with his professionalism, hard work and combative character, returned to his home.”
“On this path we set out with the goal of winning the championship in our 120th year, we have appointed Dirk Kuyt as our İsmail Kartal’s assistant. We are very happy and excited to see him in our family again as an Assistant Coach.”
“At the signing ceremony held at the club building, our Vice President Barış Göktürk, our Secretary General Mahmut Uslu, our Board Members Nihat Özbağı, Önder Fırat and Savaş Adalet and our Board Members Feridun Geçgel and İsmail Balcı took part.”
They add that they are happy to welcome Kuyt “back home”.