Can Arda Guler break the curse of Turkish players at FC Barcelona?

Barça are going all out for Arda Güler. The 18-year-old Turkish youngster, who has just completed a fantastic season at Fenerbahce, is one of the sporting management's big bets. 

New sporting director Deco is one of those pushing for his incorporation and the attacking midfielder has an affordable clause of 17.5 million euros. 

If his signing is completed, he would join the list of Turkish players who have passed through the Catalan club. A series of names that did not end up giving the expected performances during their time at Spotify Camp Nou. 

Emre Demir (2022-23)

Barely six months at Barça Atlètic and a cruel statistic: he played in only two games. When Márquez was asked about it, he argued problems with the language and adaptation. The midfielder arrived with the label of the new pearl of Turkish football and cost two million euros, but in January he was sold to Fenerbahçe.

Arda Turan (2015-2018)

At the express request of Luis Enrique, he arrived at Barça as one of the stars of Diego Simeone's Atlético. A talented playmaker, he did not find his place in the Barça side and his career began a downward spiral. 

The numbers, 15 goals and 10 assists in 55 games, do not reflect the drop in level compared to his time at Atlético. He cost 34 million euros fixed and seven million euros in variables and not even when he was loaned out did he recover his form.

Rustu (2003-05)

He arrived after a spectacular World Cup in South Korea and Japan, but he never took over the Barça goal. His inconic image at the World Cup, with the Turkish stripes painted on his cheekbones, is better remembered than his time in the Barça team. Rustu was the first signing of Laporta's first period but did not enjoy the confidence of Rijkaard. He played in seven games but Valdés became the keeper.

Seyit Cem Unsal (1998)

An exotic case. The second Turkish player to wear the Barça colours was Seyit Cem Unsal. The striker was on trial in the summer of 1998 at the pre-season training camp in Holland and played against AGOVV (1-2), Rodha Raalte (1-13) and GVVVV (1-2). Louis van Gaal ruled out signing him.

Seref Has (1961)

The first contact between FC Barcelona and Turkey took place on 5 August 1961. An international for his country, Has was on trial in a match between the first team, coached by Lluís Miró, and the reserve team, Condal. The 'friendly' ended 5-1 and he scored four goals playing as a striker. In spite of everything, his incorporation was ruled out as there were many strikers available.