As reported via FT, Bayer Leverkusen are keen on loaning in Real Madrid’s newest signing Arda Güler.
The 18-year-old Turkish midfielder had been at the centre of this summer’s transfer speculation due to his phenomenal breakout season with Süper Lig runners-up Fenerbahçe. However, it would be Los Blancos who landed the signing of Europe’s most sought-after teenager for a reported €20m.
Nevertheless, whether Güler will be given sufficient game time in the Spanish capital is currently unknown and there is a growing list of clubs ready to offer the 18-year-old first-team football. At the top of the waiting list, however, is Die Werkself.
Last season, Güler featured 35 times for Fenerbahçe in all competitions where he would score six goals and collect seven assists; attracting the interest of European football’s elite clubs. He would even manage four senior appearances for the Turkish national team, scoring a sublime goal against Wales in a European qualifier.
But, speaking of his future, Güler commented: “I was assured that I would play here and that’s all there is to say. It’s not part of my plans to be loaned out,” before adding: “I’ll rise to the challenge and will earn my place, I’ll give everything for that. I want to stay here and play here. If they give me the opportunity, I will take it. Another possibility is not part of my plans. I was offered to play here and I will do that.”
While the teenager is keen to remain in Madrid, head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to assess his options during pre-season to decide whether a loan would be more beneficial for his development. With the constant reports linking Xabi Alonso to be the future Real Madrid boss, it would make perfect sense for the Spanish side to loan Güler out to Alonso’s exciting Leverkusen side.
Nevertheless, with an abundance of attacking reinforcement, it would not even be clear as to whether Güler would be guaranteed game time at Leverkusen. With the quality of Moussa Diaby, Amine Adli and Florian Wirtz, combined with new singing Jonas Hofmann, the 18-year-old may still end up finding himself fighting for first-team football.
GGFN | Will Shopland
