Barcelona ‘look set to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Arda Guler next week’ with the 18-year-old, dubbed ‘the Turkish Messi’ likely to remain at Fenerbahce for another year on loan
- Barcelona are set to beat Real Madrid to the signing of youngster Arda Guler
- Real are interested in Guler but Barcelona have made an offer for the 18-year-old
- Guler, who has a release clause of £15m, could remain at Fenerbahce for a year
Barcelona are reportedly set to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Fenerbahce prospect Arda Guler next week.
The 18-year-old, dubbed ‘the Turkish Messi’, is highly sought after and Barcelona have been trying to get a deal over the line, especially after it emerged that Real are also interested in him.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona sporting director Deco travelled to Turkey in an attempt to sign Guler, who has a release clause of just £15million.
The report states that the plan is for Guler to stay at Fenerbahce for one more year.
Barcelona would pay part of his release clause now and the other part next summer, which would help the club to fit the signing into their current economic situation.
Barcelona are set to beat Real Madrid to the signing of talented 18-year-old Arda Guler
Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, wants Guler to remain at Fenerbahce for another year
Real Madrid are also interested in a move for Guler but they may have to act quickly
It is possible that Guler could be registered with Barcelona this summer if there are a significant amount of departures.
Deco spoke to Guler to explain the club’s plan for him should he join.
Capable of operating effectively as an attacking midfielder or out wide, Guler’s technique and vision would suit Barcelona’s style of play and has inevitably led to comparisons with Messi.
Barcelona and Fenerbahce would both like Guler to spend another season on loan at the Turkish club. However, the player himself wants the transfer to happen immediately as he is eager to test himself in Europe.
Real also have a strong interest in Turkey international Guler and are planning to send club legends Roberto Carlos (who also played for Fenerbahce) and Emilio Butragueno to speak to the player and his representatives.
Guler joined Fenerbahce from Gencerbirligi’s youth setup in 2019. Since making his senior debut in 2021 he has made 51 appearances and has scored nine goals, while he has provided 12 assists. He won the Turkish Cup last season.
On the international stage Guler has been capped by Turkey on four occasions and he scored his first senior goal for his country against Wales last month.
Manchester City and Liverpool have also been tracking the highly-rated Guler.
More Stories
Furious Lions star Dayne Zorko claims AFL has legalised attacks on players’ genitals after rival who left him with ‘bruised’ groin got off with just a fine
Manchester United 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Errors in defence lead Ten Hag’s men to defeat in Las Vegas
LeBron James ‘kept telling diners how grateful he was’ to be at dinner with son Bronny, 18, just four days after his cardiac arrest in basketball practice