Galatasaray are planning to reintegrate former player Dries Mertens into the club in a non-playing role following his retirement in July 2025. The club's management is preparing to offer the 39-year-old a position either within manager Okan Buruk's staff or in a new organization to be established in Kemerburgaz.
Haluk Yürekli stated on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, "MERTENS'E MUTLAKA GÖREV VERMEK İSTİYORLAR" (They definitely want to give Mertens a role). Yürekli added that the plan is to give Mertens a role other than Sporting Director. Mertens and his family were positively affected by their time in Istanbul and developed a close bond with the supporters, which is a key driver behind his desire to return.
Dries Mertens joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Napoli in the summer of 2022. He made 136 appearances in the red-and-yellow jersey, scoring 25 goals and providing 44 assists. The club currently sits top of the Süper Lig with 16 points from 7 matches. The team will look to maintain its position in the standings with an away fixture against Gençlerbirliği next. Galatasaray's current squad structure and upcoming fixtures coincide with this period of planned organizational moves. Talks are ongoing regarding Mertens's official appointment.
More detail at Fotomac
