Guler eventually chose Real Madrid, whose offer of €20 million is above Guler’s release clause but, importantly, can be paid in installments.
The 18-year-old was one of the most wanted players around when his €17.5m release clause became active and both Real Madrid and Barcelona made offers to try and lure Guler away.
Guler eventually chose Real Madrid, whose offer of €20 million is above Guler’s release clause but, importantly, can be paid in installments.
“Real Madrid CF and Fenerbahçe SK have agreed on the transfer of Arda Guler, who will be associated with our club for the next six seasons,” read a short statement before confirming his presentation to the media on Friday.
Guler, who has four caps for Turkey, leaves Fenerbahce after making 21 contributions in 51 games, including nine goals and 12 assists.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Guler has spent plenty of time on the wing and is likely to help fill the void left by the departures of Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio – the latter confirmed as PSG’s latest signing.
Asensio has signed a three-year deal in the French capital after spending eight years at Real Madrid. In that time he has won three La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns, four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and last season the Copa del Rey and is a mainstay in the Spanish national team.
To compensate for his departure, Braham Diaz returned to Real and extended his contract to join Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in Real Madrid’s forward line.
There are still plans to sign a new striker following Karim Benzema’s departure, with PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Tottenham’s Harry Kane as options.