SC Freiburg have confirmed that Berkay Yilmaz will return to the club at the end of his two-year loan spell with 1. FC Nürnberg and sign a long-term contract extension. The 21-year-old Turkish left-back has impressed during his time in the 2.Bundesliga, prompting Freiburg to bring him back to the Breisgau Arena.
The move sees Yilmaz officially rejoin Freiburg this summer, having initially departed on loan in 2022. While the club did not disclose specific financial details, the Turkish talent is valued at approximately €6 million. Sporting director Klemens Hartenbach expressed the club’s satisfaction with Yilmaz’s development.
“Berkay has adapted very well to the second division and showed a good mix of attacking play and defensive responsibility in Nürnberg,” Hartenbach said, according to the club’s official statement. He further highlighted Yilmaz’s commitment, stating, “Berkay has a big heart and a total identification with SC Freiburg – that's a good foundation for working together on the details. We're looking forward to it.”
This season, Yilmaz has been a consistent performer for Nürnberg, making 32 appearances in the 2.Bundesliga and contributing six assists. His performances have demonstrated his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, making him a valuable asset for Freiburg. Yilmaz initially came through the Freiburg academy, indicating a strong connection to the club and its playing style.
Freiburg currently sit in the upper half of the Bundesliga table, and the return of Yilmaz provides competition and depth in the left-back position. The move signals Freiburg’s commitment to developing young talent and integrating players from their academy into the first team, potentially bolstering their squad for future European competitions.
