The football world is so packed that new talents emerge almost every season, and this summer’s star is Arda Guler. The Turkish teenage sensation has drawn interest from European clubs, making him one of the most sought-after teenagers this summer.
The last time clubs fought so hard to sign any teenager was in 2015 when Real Madrid won the race to sign a 15-year-old Martin Odegaard from Stromsgodset Toppfotball. The Norwegian attacker has established himself as one of Premier League’s most consistent players after securing a move to Arsenal in 2021.
Arda Guler will leave Fenerbache this summer. According to reports, the 18-year-old will turn out for one of the best clubs, either Real Madrid or Barcelona, next season. But who is Arda Guler, and why is there so much hype surrounding the Turkish?
Who is Arda Guler?
Nicknamed “Turkish Messi” by most Fenerbache fans, Arda Guler has been a sensation for the club for the past two seasons. The Turkish midfielder started his youth career in Ankara with Genclerbirligi before joining the Fenerbache academy in 2019.
He signed his professional contract with the Turkish giants in 2021 as a 16-year-old. Guler became Fenerbache’s youngest goalscorer in the Turkish Super Lig at 17. Following the departure of Mesut Ozil in 2022, Guler was handed the club’s famous No. 10 jersey, quickly making him a fan favorite.
With a powerful left foot and a knack for scoring goals, Arda Guler has drawn comparisons with the game’s best player, Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old plays primarily as an attacking midfielder but could operate as a right winger, cutting in on his preferred left foot to create goalscoring chances.
After making his international debut for Turkey in November 2022, Guler was named in the squad for the 2024 Euro Qualifiers and got his first against Wales last month. What a year it has been for the teenager!
Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Rising Interest in Arda Guler
Barcelona identified Guler as a potential target when the transfer window officially opened. The Catalan club held talks with Fenerbahce, with President Laporta officially declaring the club’s interest in the young attacking midfielder. Nevertheless, Real Madrid were the first to react and lodged a bid worth €20 million for Gular yesterday.
This bid is believed to be Guler’s release clause at Fenerbahce. At this point, the Spanish giants are confident of landing their man in the next 24 hours. With Guler on the club’s books, Real Madrid continue their tradition of investing in young talents.
Is Arda Guler making the right choice by potentially joining Real Madrid? Will he get enough game time at the Santiago Bernabeu? Let us know below.
