Ex-West Ham boss Slaven Bilic ready to return to European football after call-up from former club

Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic could abandon his life in Saudi Arabia for Turkey after being approached for a vacant role.

Bilic has not been successful in Europe since his short stint in charge of Watford from September 2022 to March 2023.

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Since last summer, the former West Ham and West Brom boss has been in charge of Saudi club Al Fateh, who boast former Barcelona ace Cristian Tello and ex-Manchester City defender Jason among their ranks. Denayer.

But Bilic could return to Europe this summer after Besiktas approached the Croatian coach to take over, Germanijak reported.

Reports from Croatia indicate that Besiktas are keen to hire Bilic for a second time after his first tenure from 2013 to 2015.

However, the 55-year-old is yet to give a definitive answer, although he is not ruling out a second stint with the Black Eagles.

Club president Hasan Arat fired Fernando Santos, a celebrated European Championship winner with Portugal in 2016, in April after six games without a win, with the Turkish side finishing third in the Super Lig.

Bilic remains a fan favorite for the Istanbul side, taking charge of 92 matches and winning 48 before joining West Ham in 2015.

The club’s supporters often demand Bilic’s return every time there is a coaching change at the Tupras Stadium.

Serdar Topraktepe took over as Besiktas caretaker following Santos’ dismissal, with a squad that includes former Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

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And Arat desperately needs to see Besiktas compete with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray for the league title, having last tasted glory in 2021.

José Mourinho is also set to move to Turkey, where he has agreed a two-year contract with Fenerbahce.

This could lead to fireworks on the touchline at the next Istanbul derby, with both managers known for their antics on the sidelines.

Bilic led Al Fateh to seventh place in the Saudi Pro League this season during an admirable campaign considering they are not backed by the Saudi royal family, like the top four teams in the division.