Turkish heavyweights Besiktas on Saturday announced the appointment of former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as new head coach, Afrosport reports.
Solskjaer has agreed to an initial 18-month deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
The 51-year-old Norwegian has bagged his first managerial appointment since he was sacked by United in 2021.
Besiktas, 16-time Turkish Super Lig champions, are currently sixth in the standings and have been without a permanent head coach since Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst left in November.
“We believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make significant contributions to our club, and we warmly welcome him to the Besiktas family, wishing him great success,” Besiktas said in a statement.
Official Statement | Welcome to Beşiktaş, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!
We have signed a contract with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Head Coach until the end of the 2025-2026 season, with an option for an additional year for the 2026-2027 season.
We believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make… pic.twitter.com/JmrmBarM5w
— The Black Eagles (@BesiktasEnglish) January 18, 2025
He joined United in an interim capacity in December 2018, replacing Jose Mourinho. The former Red Devils striker quickly signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford after some impressive results.
The former Norway international helped United finish second in the Premier League and also led them to the Europa League final, which they lost on penalties to Villarreal.
He, however, was sacked following a poor run of results, leaving the club without winning any silverware.
Besiktas becomes the fourth club Solskjaer would manage, having previously had two spells at Molde and one at Cardiff before his move to United.
The Turkish side are 28th in the Europa League table with six points, a point outside the playoff spots with two games remaining in the new group stage format.
Solskjaer’s first task will be in the Europa League, at home to Athletic Club on Wednesday, 22 January, before an away trip to Antalyaspor in the league.
