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Serie A6/1/2026

Domenico Tedesco close to joining Sassuolo from Fenerbahce

Former RB Leipzig boss Domenico Tedesco is reportedly on the brink of becoming Sassuolo's new head coach once his contractual termination with Fenerbahce is officially ratified.

Amara Okafor
Amara Okafor
Transfers Correspondent
Domenico Tedesco close to joining Sassuolo from Fenerbahce

Sassuolo are preparing for a significant change in the dugout as Domenico Tedesco nears an agreement to take the reins at the Mapei Stadium. The Italian-German tactician has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the vacancy, with recent negotiations accelerating behind the scenes.

Before any official announcement can be made, Tedesco must first conclude the formalities of his departure from Fenerbahce. Reports suggest that a settlement regarding his exit package from the Turkish giants is in the final stages of completion, clearing the path for his return to European football’s top five leagues.

Tedesco’s potential arrival marks a clear statement of intent from the Sassuolo hierarchy. Known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on high-intensity pressing, the 40-year-old built a reputation as one of the continent's most promising young coaches during successful stints with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.

The appointment would represent something of a homecoming for Tedesco, who was born in Rossano, Italy, before moving to Germany as a child. While he has spent the vast majority of his coaching career in the Bundesliga and the Russian Premier League, a move to Serie A has long been mooted as a primary career ambition.

Sassuolo have been searching for a long-term project leader capable of replicating the attacking identity that saw them punch above their weight for much of the last decade. The club's leadership believes Tedesco’s resume, which includes DFB-Pokal success and Champions League experience, aligns perfectly with their vision for domestic growth.

Once the legal paperwork with Fenerbahce is signed, Tedesco is expected to arrive in Reggio Emilia to put pen to paper on his new contract. Final details, including the duration of the deal and the composition of his backroom staff, are currently being ironed out by intermediaries.

This move concludes a turbulent period for the coach in Istanbul, where he faced constant pressure despite flashes of success. For Sassuolo, securing a manager of Tedesco's caliber is viewed as a significant coup that could propel the Neroverdi back toward the upper echelons of the Italian top flight.