The speculation follows the departure of İsmail Kartal, who left his position after Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 derby defeat by Galatasaray. The club confirmed that Kartal’s exit had been agreed following discussions with its leadership, while former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has been placed in temporary charge until a permanent appointment is made.
According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, Yıldırım wants Nagelsmann to take over in Istanbul. The 39-year-old is currently without a club after previously managing Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich before taking charge of the Germany national team.
A move to Turkey would represent a different challenge from the high-profile jobs Nagelsmann has held in recent years. The report acknowledges that Fenerbahçe may not be his preferred destination, but suggests he could still be willing to hear what the club has to offer.
Manchester United remain the more prominent link. Nagelsmann has been identified as a leading possible replacement should Michael Carrick lose his position, with pressure on the United head coach increasing after the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
Carrick’s future is under scrutiny following a poor run of results, and the outcome of the match against Chelsea could influence the club’s next decision. The Guardian has also reported that Nagelsmann is among United’s leading options if the club decides to make a change.
That situation could open the door to more serious discussions with the German, although no agreement with either club has been reported. Fenerbahçe are still assessing candidates following Kartal’s departure, with Kuyt serving as caretaker in the meantime.
Nagelsmann’s previous experience at the highest level makes him an ambitious target for the Turkish club, but United’s interest and the prospect of another Premier League appointment could prove more attractive. For now, the Fenerbahçe link remains a reported preference from Yıldırım rather than a confirmed negotiation.
There has been no indication that Nagelsmann has accepted an approach, and the Turkish reports do not suggest that formal talks have reached an advanced stage.