Thomas Reis has emerged as the frontrunner to take charge of Trabzonspor, following advanced negotiations between the Turkish club and the German manager to succeed Fatih Tekke.
Trabzonspor’s management reached out to Reis, who is currently under contract with Bulgarian side Ludogorets, and both parties have agreed on terms in principle. However, the appointment remains unfinalized as the Turkish club still needs to reach a formal agreement with their Bulgarian counterparts.
According to Turkish outlet 61Saat, Reis has been offered a contract running through the end of the current season, with an option to transition into a long-term project should results and performances meet expectations. This short-term proposal highlights Trabzonspor’s desire to minimize mid-season risks while giving Reis the opportunity to prove he can steer the team back on track before committing to a longer deal.
The 52-year-old manager took charge of Ludogorets last July, averaging 2.18 points per match across 11 games in all competitions while remaining undefeated through his first nine league fixtures. Ludogorets secured seven wins and two draws in the Bulgarian league, collecting 23 points to sit second—just two points off the top—following a recent 2-1 victory over Septemvri Sofia.
Reis is no stranger to Turkish football, having enjoyed a successful stint with Samsunspor between July 2024 and February 2026. During his time there, he guided the club to a third-place finish in his first season—their highest league standing in decades—and secured European qualification for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Prior to his move to Turkey, Reis managed Bochum, leading them to the 2. Bundesliga title and earning promotion to the Bundesliga after an 11-year absence. His managerial career also includes a spell at Schalke 04, as well as youth development roles at Bochum and Wolfsburg.
