Arda Guler was one of the stars of Euro 2024, which ended a week ago. The 19-year-old Turk played in all five matches of his team, being its leader. The Real Madrid midfielder scored a goal in the group stage match against Georgia (3:1) and had assists in the matches against Austria (2:1) in the 1/8 finals and the Netherlands (1:2) in the quarter-finals.
It is not known, however, where Guler will spend the upcoming season. Although Carlo Ancelotti spoke highly of the midfielder, predicting a great career for him, it is not certain that the Turk will spend the next season in Madrid.
As reported by Spanish media, the player is determined to play more than he did last season. Last season, Guler played only 12 times, spending 440 minutes on the pitch. During that time, he scored six goals.
One of the reasons for this state of affairs was a serious injury that the midfielder suffered during the pre-season tour. The Turk missed the first half of the season and made his debut for Real only on January 6 in the Copa del Rey match against Arandina (3:1).
Guler wants more
Even though Guler was healthy later on, he didn't convince Ancelotti. He only got more chances at the end of the season, when it was already certain that Real would win the Spanish championship. As reported by the Spanish media, the player doesn't want such a situation to repeat itself.
And this will certainly not be easier after the transfer of Kylian Mbappe. Although these are players from different positions and with different profiles, the Frenchman's transfer did not make Guler's situation easier. Ancelotti can make several tactical changes that will make the Turk even further away from regular play.
The daily “Sport” reported that Guler may request a loan to another club. AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund were very interested in the midfielder, but for now Real do not want to hear about giving Guler away even for a year.
If he doesn't get a guarantee of regular playing time, he could give them an ultimatum. The player isn't interested in leaving Real permanently, but he's determined to play more and develop, rather than waste his talent among the reserves.
Guler joined Real last summer. The Spaniards paid 20 million euros for the Fenerbahçe midfielder.