Real Madrid will soon complete the deal to sign 18-year-old Fenerbahce prodigy Arda Guler, a target for Barcelona, for €20 million.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arda Guler is on the verge of joining Real Madrid. The Merengues have sealed the agreement over a base fee worth €20 million while giving Fenerbahce a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The 18-year-old was also a target for Barcelona before Los Blancos beat them to his signature.
Arda Guler is one of the best young prospects in the world, coming leaps and bounds since making his first-team debut for Fenerbahce. The Turkish international is already a regular for his club and country. And his performances have compelled pundits and fans alike to rate him highly.
The 18-year-old was top-class for Fenerbahce this past season, chipping in with six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances. But Guler’s skyrocketing stock means the Turkish club will not enjoy his services for much longer. And Barcelona and Real Madrid have been among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Reports this week have revealed that Guler has decided to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona. There have already been claims the young Turk dreams about representing Los Blancos. And despite Barcelona’s best efforts, the Catalan giants have lost the race for his signature to their bitter rival, Real Madrid.
Arda Güler to Real Madrid, here we go! Deal’s almost completed between Real and Fenerbahçe, documents are being checked for 2005 gem. 🚨⚪️🇹🇷 #Real
€20m fixed fee, 20% sell-on clause and extra add-ons in the ‘package’ plus taxes.
Medical being scheduled.
Arda joins Real now. pic.twitter.com/8tjdCpg5AB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2023
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona can do with his versatility, considering he can reprise multiple roles on the pitch. While the 18-year-old is primarily a no. 10, he can also play on the right flank or as a box-to-box midfielder. But with Real Madrid’s midfield options packed to the rafters, Guler will likely develop as a right-winger at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As for Barcelona, reports on Wednesday from SPORT suggested Barcelona had not given up hopes of signing him. But the deal for the Turkish international is done. Real Madrid will pay a base fee of €20 million to Fenerbahce to secure the youngster’s services. In addition, the Turkish club will possess a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Guler will soon undergo his medical checks with Real Madrid before joining the pre-season camp for the 2023/24 campaign. As for Barcelona, it will be interesting to see who the reigning La Liga champions identify to bolster their squad.
