Thomas Reis arrives in Turkey as Trabzonspor close in on new manager

German coach Thomas Reis has arrived in Turkey ahead of an expected move to Trabzonspor, with the club having reached a preliminary agreement to appoint him.

Reis, who currently manages Bulgarian side Ludogorets, was given a warm welcome by Trabzonspor supporters at the airport. The development was reported by Turkish website 61saat, which said negotiations had made significant progress in recent hours.

According to a report by HT Spor, Trabzonspor will pay Ludogorets’ release clause to secure Reis’ services. He is expected to take charge of the team for the first time in Saturday’s match against Galatasaray.

The German is set to sign a one-year contract with Trabzonspor, with an option to extend the agreement for a further season.

Reis has previous experience of managing in the Turkish league, having led Samsunspor. He is also the coach of Hossam Abdel Meguid, who has been working under his management since joining the Bulgarian club in the summer from Zamalek.

Trabzonspor are searching for a new manager following the departure of Fatih Tekke.

Reports earlier on Monday had suggested that Stefano Pioli was close to becoming the club’s next head coach. The Italian was believed to be ahead of the other candidates in the process, although no official contract had been signed, according to those reports.

They also claimed there was a 90% likelihood of Pioli taking the job.

Pioli’s attacking ideas were said to suit the qualities of Mohamed Salah, described in the report as Trabzonspor’s star. In particular, the player’s movement from the right wing into central areas, his runs behind defenders and his effectiveness inside the penalty area were considered compatible with the Italian coach’s approach.

However, the latest developments indicate that Reis is now in position to take over, with Trabzonspor having reached an initial agreement with the Ludogorets manager and begun the process of completing his appointment.