On Thursday, Real Madrid announced they had acquired Arda Güler, a soccer star at 18, from the Turkish club Fenerbahçe. Several high-profile organizations were said to be competing for Güler’s signature because he is one of the most sought-after prospects in the sport. But Real ultimately won out, and Güler signed a six-year contract to add his ability and promise to its team.
Güler, accompanied by his very emotional family, jumped to the stage next to club president Florentino Pérez during his ceremonial unveiling to convey his pleasure at signing for the historic club. Next, Güler made a few remarks: “First of all, thank you to my family, to the individuals who have helped me get to this point, and this club. Like you, I hope to go down in Real Madrid annals. Many, many thanks.
Known as “the Turkish Messi,” his arrogance is reminiscent of the legendary Argentine’s. Guler, who is left-footed, typically operates in the centre or cuts in from the right side.
Guler can spin on a dime, and his exceptional balance and deft feet allow him to evade defenders without relying on his speed. His passing ability and elegant touch are other reasons all the best teams are interested in signing him.
With that touch, he can take the ball in any direction and create openings in the defense anytime. Guler has proven his skill in positioning as well, doing so by exploiting gaps in opposing defensive formations.
Who is Arda Guler?
As an attacking midfielder for Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig and the Turkish national team, Arda Guler is a professional footballer in his home country of Turkey. He’s been likened to Lionel Messi and is considered one of the most exciting young players in the world.
On February 25, 2005, Guler was born in Altnda, Ankara, Turkey. At age 10, he enrolled in Fenerbahçe’s youth program, where he swiftly advanced through the ranks. The Fenerbahçe U19 squad promoted him in 2020, and he promptly scored 14 goals in 15 games.
As of January 2021, Guler is under contract with Fenerbahçe as a professional player. On February 19, 2021, he played his first professional game for his side in a Süper Lig encounter against Sivasspor. At 16 years and 11 months, he made history by becoming Fenerbahçe’s youngest-ever player.
Guler is now a mainstay in Fenerbahçe’s starting lineup. He has tallied six goals and seven assists in 35 games played during the 2022-23 season. He was called up to the national squad of Turkey and debuted the same year in November.
Arda Guler Career Highlights
- He first appeared for Fenerbahce in the professional league in January of 2022.
- He scored Fenerbahce’s youngest UEFA Europa League goal in March 2022.
- In 2022, he was named the best young player in the Turkish Super Lig.
- He has competed for the Turkish national team in the 17-and 19-and 21-year-old ages.
- At 17, he debuted for Turkey’s senior national team in March 2022.
- He has one goal for Turkey’s senior team against Wales, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat.
How ready is Arde Güler for Real Madrid?
According to Head of Content for Transfermarkt Turkey, Lara Karacan “Profile-wise, he would be a better fit for Barcelona with his technical abilities: one-touch play and agility. He doesn’t possess the typical speed of a winger and Real Madrid don’t necessarily play with a playmaker. Additionally, he faces strong competition in the central midfield with players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga. To be honest, I’m not exactly sure what Real Madrid plan to do with Güler. It will be more interesting for him once Modric and Kroos leave Madrid. Perhaps it’s simply a prestige transfer to “outshine” their rivals Barcelona. Furthermore, Madrid always aims to sign the best players. Arda is considered to be the talent of the century in Turkey, so this transfer makes sense in that regard.”