Arda Guler reveals REAL reason he rejected Barcelona for Real Madrid

Cameron Smith

7 Jul 2023 17:06 BST
4 min read

Arda Guler has revealed that Real Madrid hold a different level of power in transfer negotiations than Barcelona.

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The midfield wonderkid, who has been dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ thanks to his immense close control and sharp acceleration, joined Los Blancos from Fenerbahce on 6 July for a reported fee of €20 million, rejecting interest from Barcelona in the process.

Following his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Guler was asked why he decided to join Real Madrid instead of their El Clasico rivals. “Barça wanted me, but when Real Madrid want you, the conversation is over,” he replied.

The two Spanish giants have long been regarded as dream destinations for players, with many hoping to one day turn out in the all white of Real Madrid or the Blaugrana of Barcelona.

However, Guler has made it clear that Los Blancos were always going to win the race for his signature thanks to the pull they have.

The 18-year-old became Real Madrid’s fourth summer signing when he put pen to paper on a six-year deal; Jude Bellingham, Fran Garcia and Joselu (loan) have also arrived through the doors in the Spanish capital since the summer window opened on 1 July.

Vinicius Jr mocks Barcelona after Guler signing

Welcoming Guler to Real, the Brazilian star tweeted: “Uno más que elige el más grande” (Spanish for “One more who chooses the greatest”), followed by white heart and heart-eyes emojis.

It’s hard not to interpret Vinicius’ tweet as a cheeky dig at Barca – who had already provisionally agreed a deal to sign Guler.

© ProShots - Vinicius Jr poked fun at Barcelona after Real Madrid signed Arda Guler

And Fenerbahce would have preferred to sell to the La Liga champions as they would have got Guler back on loan for next season, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo. However, the midfielder had his heart set on Madrid and will fight for a place in the first-team next year after dismissing the idea of being sent out on loan.

“I'm ready to compete and I'm going to earn my position, I'm going to give it everything to earn my place at the club,” he said. “I want to stay and play here. If I get a chance to play I will take it. I'm not contemplating any other possibility. I've been offered to play and that's what I'm going to do."

However, Real Madrid didn’t convince Guler all by themselves - they had some help from an old friend. "[Mesut Ozil] told me that Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world,” Guler admitted. We have a brotherly relationship and he's always spoken highly of the club and given me good advice."

Ozil spent three years in the Spanish capital after convincing Los Blancos to sign him following his performance at the 2010 World Cup for Germany. He left in 2013 having made 159 appearances and contributed 108 goals and assists.