Real Madrid have secured the signing of 18-year-old Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, beating out fierce rivals Barcelona for the Turkish youngster. The deal is reported to be worth €20 million ($21.7 million; £17.1 million), with potential add-ons that could see the fee rise to €30 million. Guler has signed a six-year contract with Madrid and will wear the number 24.
Guler’s arrival is part of Real Madrid’s ongoing strategy to bring in promising young players at a lower cost. The club has already signed the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham in recent years. The team is transitioning to a younger squad, led by chief scout Juni Calafat.
Guler expressed his excitement about joining Real Madrid and stated that he is eager to take any opportunity to play for the first team. He dismissed the possibility of going out on loan, emphasizing his commitment to establishing himself at Madrid.
However, Guler’s arrival adds to an already crowded midfield at Real Madrid. With players like Federico Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Modric, and Kroos vying for a place, there may be challenges in finding playing time for all the midfielders. It is expected that some players, like Antonio Blanco, may leave the club to seek opportunities elsewhere.
There are also uncertainties surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s future as the head coach of Real Madrid. Brazil is reportedly interested in hiring Ancelotti as their next coach, but sources close to the Italian coach have stated that he has not signed anything with Brazil and remains committed to Real Madrid.
Guler’s role in Ancelotti’s squad is yet to be determined, as the coach is considering changes to his preferred formation. Ancelotti may switch to a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, which could suit Guler’s playing style. The young midfielder has shown versatility, playing behind the striker or as a right winger for Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid’s recent focus on signing young players represents a shift in their transfer policy. The club aims to build a team of promising talents while benefiting from Calafat’s connections in Brazil. This strategy contrasts with the club’s previous approach of signing established stars.
The signing of Guler may pose challenges for academy products like Sergio Arribas and Nico Paz, who were hoping to break into the first team. With Real Madrid more willing to give opportunities to players with top-flight experience, the pathway to the senior team may be more difficult for academy graduates.
Overall, Guler’s arrival at Real Madrid highlights the club’s commitment to building a younger and more promising squad. The Turkish midfielder brings pace and technical skills to the team, and his role in Ancelotti’s plans will become clearer as the season progresses.Real Madrid have secured the signing of 18-year-old Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, beating out fierce rivals Barcelona for the Turkish youngster. The deal is reported to be worth €20 million ($21.7 million; £17.1 million), with potential add-ons that could see the fee rise to €30 million. Guler has signed a six-year contract with Madrid and will wear the number 24.
Guler’s arrival is part of Real Madrid’s ongoing strategy to bring in promising young players at a lower cost. The club has already signed the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham in recent years. The team is transitioning to a younger squad, led by chief scout Juni Calafat.
Guler expressed his excitement about joining Real Madrid and stated that he is eager to take any opportunity to play for the first team. He dismissed the possibility of going out on loan, emphasizing his commitment to establishing himself at the club.
However, Guler’s arrival adds to an already crowded midfield at Real Madrid. With players like Federico Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Modric, and Kroos vying for a place, competition for playing time will be intense. It is expected that some players, including Antonio Blanco, may leave the club to seek more opportunities elsewhere.
There are also uncertainties surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s future as the head coach of Real Madrid. Brazil is reportedly interested in appointing Ancelotti as their next coach, but sources close to the Italian coach have stated that he has not signed anything with Brazil and remains committed to Real Madrid.
Guler’s role in Ancelotti’s squad is yet to be determined. The coach is considering changes to his preferred formation and may switch to a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system, which could suit Guler’s playing style. The young midfielder has shown versatility, playing behind the striker or as a right winger for Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid’s recent focus on young talent represents a shift in their transfer policy. The club aims to build a team of promising players with high potential, complemented by the experience of club legends like Modric and Kroos. This approach contrasts with the Galactico signings of the past, where established stars were brought in every summer.
The signing of Guler raises questions about the pathway for academy products like Sergio Arribas and Nico Paz. With Real Madrid more willing to give opportunities to players with top-flight experience, the most effective route to the first team may be leaving the club to join another top side before returning.
Overall, Guler’s arrival at Real Madrid is seen as another step in the club’s long-term strategy to build a younger and more competitive squad. The Turkish midfielder possesses the technical attributes to succeed at the club, but his role and position in the team will depend on Ancelotti’s tactical decisions.
What challenges does Real Madrid face in finding playing time for their midfielders with the presence of players like Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Modric, and Kroos?
Drid. With players like Federico Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Modric, and Kroos vying for a place, there may be challenges in finding playing time for all the midfielders. It is expected that some players, like Antonio Blanco, may leave the club to seek opportunities elsewhere.
There are also uncertainties surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s future as the head coach of Real Madrid. Brazil is reportedly interested in hiring Ancelotti as their next coach, but sources close to the Italian coach have stated that he has not signed anything with Brazil and remains committed to Real Madrid.
Guler’s role in Ancelotti’s squad is yet to be determined, as the coach is considering changes to his preferred formation. Ancelotti may switch to a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, which could suit Guler’s playing style. The young midfielder has shown versatility, playing behind the striker or as a right winger for Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid’s recent focus on signing young players represents a shift in their transfer policy. The club aims to build a team of promising talents while benefiting from Calafat’s connections in Brazil. This strategy contrasts with the club’s previous approach of signing established stars.
The signing of Guler may pose challenges for academy products like Sergio Arribas and Nico Paz, who were hoping to break into the first team. With Real Madrid more willing to give opportunities to players with top-flight experience, the pathway to the senior team may be more difficult for academy graduates.
Overall, Guler’s arrival at Real Madrid highlights the club’s commitment to building a younger and more promising squad. The Turkish midfielder brings pace and technical skills to the team, and his role in Ancelotti’s plans will become clearer as the season progresses.
This signing presents a significant victory for Real Madrid, overshadowing their arch-rivals Barcelona in a heated negotiation battle. Arda Guler’s arrival is a testament to Real Madrid’s keen eye for promising talent and their ongoing commitment to bolstering their squad’s future. Exciting times lie ahead for both the club and this young Turkish prodigy.