Former Turkish soccer star Arda Turan is moving into uncharted territory as the brand new head coach of Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk, marking his first enterprise into worldwide administration.
Shakhtar introduced Tuesday that the 38-year-old has signed a two-year contract, binding him to the membership till the summer time of 2027.
Turan turns into the thirty ninth supervisor within the membership’s historical past, changing Marino Pusic in a transfer aimed toward infusing contemporary imaginative and prescient right into a crew wealthy in custom.
“I’m proud to have joined Shakhtar – a great club with a rich history and strong traditions,” Turan stated in his first assertion. “This team is known across Europe for its ambition. We’re motivated to bring joy to our fans and win trophies both domestically and in Europe.”
Turan, a family identify in Turkish soccer, rose to prominence as a midfielder with Galatasaray earlier than starring at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
A four-time Turkish Player of the Year, he collected silverware in each Türkiye and Spain, together with La Liga and UEFA Europa League titles.
Shakhtar CEO Serhii Palkin hailed Turan’s appointment as a daring and promising transfer.
“Arda is a legend of European football with coaching experience in one of the world’s most competitive leagues,” Palkin stated. “We believe his leadership will usher in a successful new era for Shakhtar.”
After retiring from skilled soccer in 2022, Turan started his teaching journey in April 2023 with Istanbul-based Eyüpspor.
Under his steerage, the membership received promotion to the Turkish Super Lig and completed sixth within the 2024-25 marketing campaign, incomes reward for his or her dynamic play and tactical self-discipline.
Over 84 matches in cost, Turan’s groups showcased constant progress and attacking aptitude.
The take care of Shakhtar represents a milestone for each coach and membership – for Turan, it’s a leap into European teaching circles, and for Shakhtar, it indicators a shift towards youthful, worldwide management.
The membership welcomed him with a message studying: “Hoş geldin Arda Turan,” confirming his appointment by means of 2027.
Turan, whose contract with Eyüpspor ended earlier this month following their last match towards Antalyaspor, now faces a brand new problem: restoring Shakhtar’s continental chunk whereas competing within the Ukrainian Premier League below a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and sporting ambition.
Source: www.dailysabah.com