Trabzonspor are experiencing two major developments on the final day of the transfer window. The club has signed striker Franculino Dju from Danish side Midtjylland and has mutually agreed to terminate manager Fatih Tekke's contract.
Sitting 11th in the Süper Lig with 4 points from 3 matches, Trabzonspor have made changes to both their coaching staff and playing squad in the early weeks of the season. The team's current league position shows zero goal difference, having scored and conceded 4 goals each, and they trail leaders Galatasaray by 3 points. Their next match is at home against Kocaelispor on December 20, 2026, which is listed on our fixtures page.
Fatih Tekke's departure from Trabzonspor began following their 5-0 aggregate defeat to Ferencvaros in the Europa League play-off round. Tekke submitted his resignation immediately after that match, but the club's board initially refused to accept it. The club stated Tekke made his decision under 'intense emotional impact' and kept him in charge for the match against Amedspor. However, after a 2-1 loss to Amedspor in the third week of the Süper Lig, the parties met again. These talks resulted in a mutual agreement in line with Trabzonspor's interests. The club's statement said, "Over his approximately 18-month tenure, Fatih Tekke brought significant value to Trabzonspor."
Trabzonspor have made a major move in the final hours of the transfer window by securing Franculino Gludo Dju. The 22-year-old Guinean striker has signed a 4+1 year contract. The club notified the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that they will pay his former club Midtjylland a total transfer fee of 17 million euros in 8 installments. Franculino's guaranteed annual salary is set at 2,125,000 euros. The player scored 22 goals and provided 3 assists in 34 matches for Midtjylland last season. The private jet carrying the young striker landed at Trabzon Airport at 16:15 on September 3. This transfer will be updated on the team's squad page.
Trabzonspor have completed the first three weeks of the Süper Lig with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. The team is in 11th place with 4 points, having scored 4 goals and conceded 4, giving them a zero goal difference. They are 3 points behind leaders Galatasaray. Summarized as LWD (loss, win, draw) in their last three matches, the burgundy-blues have made an inconsistent start to the season. Their position on the standings page clearly shows the need for improvement in the coming weeks. How the managerial change and new signing will affect this process is a matter of curiosity.
The Trabzonspor management continues its search for another striker alongside the Franculino transfer. The club is continuing talks for Richarlison as a contingency against the potential departure of Onuachu, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian and UAE clubs. These parallel negotiations are part of efforts to strengthen the squad in the final hours of the transfer window. No official agreement has yet been reached regarding Brazilian striker Richarlison. The club is trying to implement its alternative plan for a possible departure. The outcome of these talks will become clear shortly before the transfer window closes.
Following Fatih Tekke's departure, the Trabzonspor manager's seat is currently vacant. It is reported that the club has begun its search for a new coach, but no official candidate has been announced yet. The position is expected to be filled before the team's next match. The successor must be suitable for the team's goal of climbing from 11th place in the league. The choice of the new manager will depend on their capacity to use players like Franculino, who was transferred for a high fee, in the most efficient way. The team's next match is against Kocaelispor on December 20, 2026.
