Dutchman Rijkaard has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of the 2007/08 season but has been installed by the Istanbul club as a replacement for Bulent Korkmaz.

Korkmaz resigned on Wednesday after a disappointing season in which Gala could only manage a fifth-placed finish in the Super Lig.

Following an illustrious playing career, Rijkaard was appointed coach of Holland in 1998 and led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2000 before resigning in the aftermath of the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.

An ill-fated spell at Sparta Rotterdam followed, the club suffering relegation in his only season in charge, although it did not seem to damage his reputation as Barca came calling in 2003.

He led the Catalan giants to two Primera Liga crowns and the Champions League title in 2006.

He left the Nou Camp in June 2008 and, after being linked with several clubs in England, has now opted to try his luck in Turkey.