Yilmaz joined the Freiburg academy at the age of 15 from club partner FC Radolfzell and reached the final of the U19 DFB-Pokal with the youth team in 2024. During the 2023/24 season, he made his debut for SC’s U23s in the 3. Liga and went on to make 14 appearances for Freiburg’s reserve side. In the summer of 2024, the left-back signed his first professional contract with the club before joining Bundesliga 2 side 1. FC Nürnberg on loan. Since then, he has made 58 competitive appearances for FCN. The 21-year-old is also a current Turkey U21 international.

“Berkay adapted very well to life in the second division and showed a strong ability to balance attacking intent with defensive responsibilities during his time at Nürnberg,” said Freiburg’s sporting director Klemens Hartenbach. “He has a huge heart and feels fully at home at SC, which makes for an excellent foundation for us to continue working together on the finer details of his game. We’re really looking forward to doing that. We would also like to thank Nürnberg for the outstanding cooperation we’ve all enjoyed throughout the loan spell.”

Berkay Yilmaz said: “I had a very good time in Nürnberg, for which I’m extremely grateful. But it was always my plan and my ambition to establish myself at SC. That makes today a very special day for me. I’m really looking forward to wearing the Freiburg shirt at the Europa-Park Stadion and being able to celebrate successful times together.”

All parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the contract.