18.06.2026 16:40
Former Fenerbahce player Dirk Kuyt will join Ismail Kartal's coaching staff at the yellow-navy club. Kuyt's club Dordrecht released a statement on the matter, noting that they expect compensation from Fenerbahce for the Dutch coach.
After İsmail Kartal's return to the head coach position at Fenerbahçe, an exciting move took place in the technical team.
KUYT IS RETURNING
The yellow-navy blue team's former star player Dirk Kuyt is returning to the club, this time as a coach. It has been announced that the Dutch football figure will serve as İsmail Kartal's first assistant in the new season.
"VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED"
Fenerbahçe Board Member Cihan Kamer, who made important statements on the matter, stated that they met with Dirk Kuyt yesterday and firmly shook hands. Kamer expressed their satisfaction with this collaboration and explained the Dutch coach's response to the offer with these words: "Our meeting with Dirk Kuyt concluded positively, and we reached an agreement with him for the first assistant coach position. This offer made him very happy and excited him greatly. During the meeting, he said, 'I left Fenerbahçe as a champion. Now I am extremely happy to come together with İsmail Kartal and a team that will march towards another championship.'"
"WE ARE DEMANDING COMPENSATION"
Meanwhile, bad news came from Dirk Kuyt's club Dordrecht to the yellow-navy blues. The Dutch team's sporting director Sjoerd Ars stated that they have compensation demands from Fenerbahçe for Kuyt. Sjoerd Ars said, "It is highly unlikely that Dirk will be on the field tomorrow (Friday) (pre-season preparations at the Dutch team will start on Friday). There is movement, but Fenerbahçe has not yet taken an official step. Dirk communicated his request for permission to negotiate with us. If the right conditions arise for both Dordrecht and him, we will not block this transfer. However, in return, we are demanding a significant financial compensation."