Real Madrid close signing of Arda Güler to beat Barça to Turkish star

When it seemed Barcelona were very close to signing Arda Güler, Real Madrid burst in with a final proposal that moved them ahead of the Catalan club. Moreover, Turkish media claim that Fenerbahçe have accepted a proposal from Madrid that would be over €20 million (his clause is €17.5m). 

The journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in the transfer market, has not taken the move for granted, but has confirmed the offer and points to Madrid's conviction that the Turkish side will accept the proposal. According to these reports, the playmaker has given the green light to the operation. The medical has already been scheduled. 

Arda Güler to Real Madrid, here we go! Deal’s almost completed between Real and Fenerbahçe, documents are being checked for 2005 gem. 🚨⚪️🇹🇷 #Real

€20m fixed fee, 20% sell-on clause and extra add-ons in the ‘package’ plus taxes.

Medical being scheduled.

Arda joins Real now. pic.twitter.com/8tjdCpg5AB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) 5 de julio de 2023

It signals an abrupt turn of events that has come about in the last few days. The new offer from Madrid, much higher than the other proposals, and the position of the player, has a deal close.

Deco's trip

Deco's trip to Turkey to sit down with Fenerbahçe and the player's representatives put the Blaugrana in pole position.

Barça's project convinced the player and his camp. And Fenerbahçe also valued Barça's proposal. The outcome seemed clear: the Super Lig side accepted Barça's proposal, €22m for the total amount of the operation (including commissions and training rights), and Güler would sign for five seasons with Barcelona.

The only doubt that remained to be resolved was what plan to follow once the player signed for Barça. At the age of 18, and with just 16 starts in the Turkish league, the option of a loan move was a strong possibility.

This was the reality that Barça projected before Madrid reappeared, stronger than ever, on the scene. Of the other suitors, Borussia Dortmund and Milan had already dropped out of the race for the player. A race that, as we have been explaining in recent days, Real Madrid were reluctant to abandon. 

On Thursday, one of the soap operas of the summer could finally conclude. 

Fenerbahçe had appealed for Güler to continue in their ranks for another season on loan and Barça were keen on this option, but the player felt that this progression would benefit more outside of Turkey, in another type of football that would allow him to adapt to other styles. 

Barça thought that a bridging team would be a good option for him to adapt to a different style. But while Barça were thinking about the player's future, Madrid have gone all out for the present and secured him a place in the first team this summer.