Real Madrid are reported to be considering signing 18-year-old attacking midfielder Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, a move that could bolster their forward options. Guler, a prodigy of Turkish football, has been attracting attention for his talent and potential.
Guler, who turned 18 in February, has already made four appearances for Turkey's senior national team, amassing 145 minutes of play and scoring one goal. Although typically operating as a false winger, Guler has demonstrated an affinity for center play, even when starting from the wing. His style has drawn comparisons to Mesut Ozil, the former German international who retired in March. The young talent's performances have been impressive enough to draw the attention of Real Madrid, one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
The Turkish youngster's contract with Fenerbahce, which runs until 2025, includes a release clause of €17.5 million (£15m; $19m). Fenerbahce are asking that this clause be met in full, a price that Real Madrid sees as reasonable given Guler's potential. However, Real Madrid's midfield has already been strengthened this summer with the arrival of Jude Bellingham, the return of Brahim Diaz, and contract renewals signed by Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Dani Ceballos. As such, the club does not view strengthening this area as a priority.
This has led the club to explore alternative options to a regular signing. One possibility under consideration is that Madrid and Fenerbahce could agree to a transfer that would become effective in 2024, with Guler remaining in Turkey until then. Another option that has been considered is for Guler to join Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla, who play in Spain's third tier. However, this is not expected to be a favorable option for the player1.
As the transfer rumors continue to swirl, fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching the developments surrounding Arda Guler, a rising star of Turkish football, and Real Madrid's potential future asset.
