Kayserispor, a Turkish Süper Lig club battling to avoid relegation, is reportedly on the verge of appointing Erling Moe as their new head coach. The news, rapidly circulating in Turkish media, marks a potential return to Turkish football for the Norwegian coach, who previously served as an assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Besiktas. This Erling Moe to Kayserispor move comes as Kayserispor seeks to revitalize their season, currently languishing near the bottom of the league table.
According to multiple Turkish news outlets, including Ajansspor and Cumhuriyet, the deal is nearing completion. Ajansspor reported on February 23, 2026, that Kayserispor was “preparing to announce” Moe, describing it as a “bombshell” signing. Cumhuriyet echoed this sentiment, stating that Solskjær’s former assistant is “returning to Turkey.” The club currently sits second to last in the league, having secured only 3 wins in 23 matches, but the gap to safety isn’t insurmountable.
A Familiar Partnership Rekindled?
Moe’s connection to Solskjær is a key element of this story. The two worked together at both Molde and Besiktas, forging a strong professional relationship. Moe served as Solskjær’s assistant at Molde from 2019 to 2024, and then followed him to Besiktas. Their partnership suggests a potential tactical alignment and a shared understanding of the game. Solskjær’s time at Besiktas ended recently, and now Moe may be stepping into a new role in Turkey independently.
Moe’s own managerial experience includes a successful stint as head coach of Molde, where he won both the Eliteserien (Norwegian top flight) and the NM (Norwegian Cup). However, he has been without a coaching position since leaving Besiktas alongside Solskjær last fall. This appointment would represent a return to management for Moe, and a chance to prove himself as a head coach in a challenging league.
Kayserispor’s Urgent Require for Change
Kayserispor’s decision to pursue Moe comes after dissatisfaction with their current manager, Radomir Djalovic. The 43-year-old Montenegrin coach had been in charge for a year, but the team’s poor performance has prompted a change. The club is facing a serious threat of relegation, and the board is hoping that a new manager can provide the spark needed to turn their season around. The Kadir Has Stadium, Kayserispor’s home ground, has a capacity of nearly 33,000, and the fans will be eager to see a positive change in fortunes.
Reports indicate that the agreement with Moe is “far along,” according to NTV Spor. The expectation is that Moe will arrive in Turkey “in the near future” to finalize the deal and begin preparations for the remainder of the season. The club is clearly hoping that his experience and tactical acumen will be enough to steer them clear of the drop zone.
Challenges Ahead for the New Manager
While Kayserispor’s situation is dire, it’s not without hope. The team’s struggles haven’t been catastrophic, and the league table remains relatively tight. A few key wins could significantly improve their position. However, Moe will face several challenges, including a lack of squad depth and a potentially fragile team morale. He will need to quickly assess the situation, identify areas for improvement, and instill a winning mentality in the players.
The Turkish Süper Lig is known for its passionate fans and competitive atmosphere. Moe will need to adapt to the unique demands of the league and build a strong rapport with the supporters. His previous experience in Turkey with Besiktas should give him a head start but he will still need to prove himself to the Kayserispor faithful.
Dagbladet reported they were unable to reach Erling Moe or his agent, Jim Solbakken, for comment as of February 23, 2026. This lack of official confirmation adds a layer of uncertainty to the reports, but the widespread coverage in Turkish media suggests that the deal is indeed progressing.
The potential appointment of Erling Moe represents a significant move for Kayserispor as they fight to maintain their place in the Turkish Süper Lig. His experience, coupled with his previous working relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjær, could prove to be a valuable asset. The next few days will be crucial as the club seeks to finalize the deal and prepare for a challenging second half of the season. Fans will be watching closely for official confirmation and eager to see what the future holds for Kayserispor under new leadership.
Stay tuned to time.news for further updates on this developing story and other breaking sports news. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with the latest information as it becomes available.
