Trabzonspor has entered a new era following the departure of head coach Fatih Tekke, while transfer rumours link them with a move for Tottenham's Richarlison on deadline day. The club sits 11th in the Süper Lig with 4 points from 3 games, having scored and conceded 4 goals, and trails leaders Galatasaray by 3 points.
Trabzonspor's board has begun work to identify Tekke's successor. Initial contacts have reportedly been made with Portuguese managers Vitor Pereira and Sergio Conceiçao. Pereira, who has previously managed Fenerbahçe, is said to be open to working in the Süper Lig again, with his knowledge of the league seen as an advantage.
Sergio Conceiçao is also reportedly positive about a move to Trabzonspor due to the existing squad and the club's championship ambitions. The list of candidates also includes Spanish coach Marcelino and English football legend Steven Gerrard. Marcelino has won the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic Bilbao and the Copa del Rey with Valencia.
Fatih Tekke offered his resignation after last week's 5-0 aggregate defeat to Ferencváros which saw the club eliminated from the Europa League play-offs. The club initially rejected the resignation, calling it an 'emotional' decision. However, following a 2-1 league defeat to Amedspor, talks were held and a mutual agreement to part ways was reached.
A club statement said the separation was "in line with Trabzonspor's interests and long-term objectives." It highlighted that during his approximately 18-month tenure, Tekke delivered the Turkish Cup and provided significant sporting and financial gains. The team's recent form reads LWD from its first three matches, a record visible on the standings page.
Trabzonspor is interested in signing Tottenham forward Richarlison on the final day of the transfer window. The Brazilian's omission from Tottenham's Premier League squad for the season is a potential catalyst. Rumours suggest Trabzonspor has agreed terms to triple the player's salary.
The deal, however, needs to be completed before the window closes at midnight. Trabzonspor has already added high-profile names like Mohamed Salah, André Onana, and Fabinho this summer. Whether a new striker joins the existing squad is not yet clear.
Trabzonspor suffered a 2-1 home defeat to newly-promoted Amedspor in the Süper Lig's third round. Mohamed Salah scored his third goal of the season in the 11th minute to put his side ahead. However, a handball by Melih Kabasakal in first-half stoppage time led to a penalty.
André Onana saved Mbaye Diagne's spot-kick, but Yira Sor was quickest to the rebound to equalise. In the final minute, Gift Orban capitalised on a defensive error from a set-piece to bundle in the winner for Amedspor. The result leaves Trabzonspor with a zero goal difference and a lower position in the table.
