Arda Guler decides to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona

Arda Guler has decided to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona, with Los Blancos finalising the agreement with Fenerbahce.
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Arda Guler has made his final decision for his next destination. The 18-year-old wants to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona. And he will participate in the pre-season campaign with Los Blancos. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will pay a base fee of €20 million to sign the youngster, with Fenerbahce also possessing a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

Arda Guler is one of the best young prospects in the world. A versatile midfielder, the Turkish wonderkid can play as a box-to-box midfielder and a winger, although his preferred role is the no. 10. And he has already become a regular for his club and country despite still being in his teens.

The 18-year-old made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old before enjoying his breakthrough campaign at Fenerbahce in 2022/23. Guler made 35 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with six goals and seven assists. And the youngster’s progress has captured the attention of several top clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Recent reports suggested Barcelona and Real Madrid were the front-runners to sign the teenage sensation. And the two Spanish clubs have been working overtime to get the deal for the young playmaker over the line. The latest update even suggested Barcelona had advanced talks to seal the deal.

But reports last month revealed Guler’s dream of joining Real Madrid. And with Los Blancos keen on signing him, the 18-year-old has chosen them over Barcelona. The report claims Real Madrid will pay a little over his release clause of €17.5 million to secure his services this summer. In addition, Fenerbahce will possess a sell-on clause of 20 per cent.

Fabrizio Romano has added more context to the story, revealing Real Madrid will pay a base fee of €20 million. In addition, the agreement will contain add-ons. And the Merengues are confident of sealing the deal in the coming 48 hours. As for Barcelona, the Catalan giants now need to set their sights elsewhere.

Guler will soon join Real Madrid for the pre-season camp. And with the deal likely going through this week, Real Madrid’s latest summer signing will be over the line. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see who Barcelona will sign after losing the race to sign the 18-year-old Turkish international.