Real Madrid Sign Arda Guler, Beating Barcelona in Intense Transfer Battle
After weeks of negotiations, Real Madrid has successfully secured the signing of Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, beating out fierce rivals Barcelona in the process. The 18-year-old Turkish youngster has chosen Madrid over Barca, according to The Athletic.
Guler’s transfer to Real Madrid will cost the club €20 million, with potential add-ons that could raise the fee to €30 million. He has signed a six-year deal with the club and will wear the number 24.
Contrary to other options such as a loan move or playing for Real Madrid Castilla, Guler has expressed his intention to establish himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s first team. He aims to seize any opportunity given to him and has ruled out the possibility of going out on loan.
Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, will lead the team-wide rebuild as the club transitions to a younger team. Calafat has been successful in bringing in promising young players at lower prices, such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham in the past six years.
However, the midfield position at Real Madrid is already crowded, with several players vying for a place. Guler’s role in Ancelotti’s squad is yet to be determined, but his technical attributes make him a promising addition to the team.
There are also questions regarding Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid. Brazil is determined to appoint him as their next head coach, but sources close to the Italian coach say he has not signed anything with Brazil as he has a contract with Real Madrid until 2024.
Real Madrid’s shift in transfer policy has seen them targeting young talents, similar to state-owned clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The club aims to focus on the next generation and has successfully signed promising young players from Brazil, thanks to Calafat’s connections.
While Guler’s signing may make the pathway to the first team more difficult for academy products like Sergio Arribas and Nico Paz, Real Madrid has shown a willingness to give chances to non-Spanish-born youngsters with top-flight experience. This may lead to more players opting to leave and join other top sides before returning to Madrid.
Playing for Real Madrid’s first team at a young age is a rare privilege reserved for a select few, usually those identified by Calafat.
In conclusion, Real Madrid’s signing of Arda Guler showcases their commitment to building a younger, more promising team. With intense negotiations and beating Barcelona in the transfer battle, Guler’s addition adds further depth and talent to Ancelotti’s squad. All eyes are now on the Turkish youngster as he aims to establish himself and contribute to the team’s success.