The race to replace Jose Mourinho heats up as ex-Italy and former AC Milan bosses go head-to-head for Fenerbahce job

Following the dismissal of Mourinho, Fenerbahce are actively seeking a high-profile replacement, with a former Italy manager and an ex-Milan head coach emerging as two top candidates, according to Calciomercato. However, the report adds that the decision is closely tied to the club’s ongoing presidential elections, which will significantly influence the final appointment.

One of those two names is Luciano Spalletti, who could soon make a swift return to coaching, just months after his sacking from the Italian national team. The current administration reportedly favours Spalletti, viewing him as a transformative figure capable of leading the club into a new chapter. On the other hand, there's Sergio Conceicao, who was let go by Milan at the end of the 2024-25 season after a challenging spell. His candidacy has already been endorsed by Sadettin Saran, one of the leading presidential hopefuls, who promised to appoint the Portuguese boss if elected.

Since Mourinho's sacking, Fenerbahce's search for a new manager has been intense. Ange Postecoglou, dismissed shortly after Tottenham lifted the Europa League at the end of last season, is being eyed for the role. Reports also indicated that Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness was on Fenerbahce's radar, but he was uninterested in a move to Turkey.

As the Turkish heavyweights continue to find a replacement, Zeki Murat Gole has been appointed as the club's caretaker for the third time in his career. Fenerbahce will be desperate to finalise the new head coach before the international break ends. Interestingly, Turkish sports publication Fanatik exclusively revealed on Thursday that Fenerbahce had reached an agreement to re-appoint veteran manager Ismail Kartal, who would return to the Yellow Canaries' dugout for the third time. No official announcement has been made regarding the same.