Despite significant interest from Barcelona, Arda Guler has made the decision to join Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of several other young players who were pursued by both Spanish giants but ultimately opted to wear the white jersey.
This scenario has been repeated in the past with players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Endrick, all of whom were signed by Real Madrid as teenagers.
Vinicius and Rodrygo have already become key contributors to the Madrid squad, while Endrick is currently in Brazil and expected to join the team in the summer of 2024.
“Another one who chooses the greatest [club],” wrote Vinicius on social media next to the official announcement of the arrival of Guler by Real Madrid.
Uno más que elige el más grande 🤍😍 https://t.co/wKvfpiBmuJ
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) July 6, 2023
Given that Vini had to choose between joining what he considers to be the biggest club in the world, Barcelona, or Real Madrid, the message carried symbolic significance.
Another Real Madrid star, Rodrygo, also rejoiced over the signing of Guler, via Twitter.
“Another talent joins our Madridista family! Welcome @10ardaguler,” the former Santos player wrote.
Fine season at Fenerbahce
In the 2022-23 season, he made 35 appearances, scoring six goals and registering seven assists for Fenerbahce.
Sports Brief previously reported on one of his most recent and best performances came in the Turkish Cup final when they defeated Basaksehir 2-0.
He was decisive with an assist and he picked up the Man of the Match award.
Players who snubbed Barcelona for Madrid
Earlier, Sports Brief analysed eight players who decided to snub Barcelona to sign for their eternal nemesis Real Madrid following the signing of Arda Guler.
The 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in European football and has been compared to Lionel Messi, penned a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.
Guler had a €17.5 million release clause and Los Blancos paid that transfer fee to beat off competition from rivals Barcelona to sign the teenager.