Real Madrid have announced the signing of teenage sensation Arda Guler from Fenerbahce on a multi-year contract.
The 18-year-old’s future has been the subject of wild speculation, with several top European clubs trying to steal him away from the Sarku Saracoglu Stadium.
However, Los Blancos have won the race for the Turkish prodigy’s signature as he joins an ever-growing contingent of super-talented youngsters in Madrid.
Guler has become one of the hottest talents in world football since making his senior debut for Fenerbahce in August 2021 in a Europa League qualifier as a 16-year-old.
After establishing himself as a first-team regular in the 2021/22 season, the Turkish phenom rose to prominence last term, earning worldwide attention for his outstanding talent.
While he failed to win the Super Lig with the Yellow Canaries last season, he helped them lift the Turkish Cup title, being named the man of the match in the process.
Despite his young age, Guler donned the number ten shirt in Istanbul for a good reason.
He was Fenerbahce’s driving force in the front third, tallying six goals and seven assists in 35 competitive appearances.
His stellar club form earned him his international breakthrough in November 2022, gracing the pitch in a friendly against the Czech Republic.
Since making his maiden outing for Turkey at the start of last season, he has grown to become a full-time member of the Crescent-Stars, registering four caps and scoring once.
Guler’s strike against Wales in a European Championship qualifier in June 2023 made him the youngest-ever player to score for the Bosphorus country.
And although Madrid must be thrilled to welcome him to their ranks, Barcelona and Fenerbahce are left fuming at the youngster, as confirmed by the Turkish club’s president Ali Koc on Wednesday.
It seems Guler had turned down the Camp Nou outfit to pledge his future to the Santiago Bernabeu despite Koc’s effort to arrange a deal with the Blaugrana.
