(CNN) — Real Madrid have signed 18-year-old footballer Arda Güler from Turkish Fenerbahçe, the Spanish club announced on Thursday.
Güler is one of the most sought-after prospects in the sport and his signing was rumored to be a competition between numerous big-name teams.
But Real Madrid ultimately won the race to add his talent and potential to their squad, with Güler signing a six-year contract with the Merengue club.
In his official presentation with his visibly excited family in tow, Güler expressed his excitement at signing for the historic club, jumping onto the lectern alongside club president Florentino Pérez before the Blancos boss finished with his speech.
Güler then shared a brief comment: “First of all thanks to my family, to the people who have helped me get to this point and to this club. I also want to be a Real Madrid legend. Thanks for everything” said the new Real Madrid player.
Arda Güler celebrates a Fenerbahçe goal against Trabzonspor, in a Turkish league match. (Credit: Serhat Cagdas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Güler’s low center of gravity, close control and dribbling ability in tight spaces, as well as his preferred position on the right side of the field to allow him to cut in with his stronger left foot, have earned him comparisons with the great Lionel. for which fans nicknamed him the Turkish Messi.
Güler has enjoyed a great season at Fenerbahçe over the past 12 months, where he made his first-team debut in 2021 aged 16; he provided an assist on his debut and gave fans a taste of what was to come.
He scored six goals in 35 appearances during the 2022/23 season, helping Fenerbahçe win the Turkish Cup with a performance for which he was named man of the match.
According to statistics site Opta, Güler created 40 chances on goal, one every 23 minutes, during the last season, which is the best average recorded by a player in a Turkish Süper Lig season since 2014-2015.
Güler’s international debut
Turkey’s midfielder Arda Guler (L) celebrates his team’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying group D football match between Turkey and Wales at Samsun Yeni Stadium 19 mayis on June 19, 2023. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
Güler is also a member of the Turkish national team and made his debut at the age of 17.
Since then, he has made four caps and scored his first international goal for the senior side in his last match, putting together a sensational strike against Wales in European qualifying.
In doing so, Güler became the youngest player in his country’s history to score for the national team, aged just 18 years and 114 days.
He will now compete for a place in Real Madrid’s starting squad alongside a host of talent including Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo upfront, and the team’s outstanding midfield ensemble adding Jude Bellingham to Toni.Kroos partner, Luka Modric , Eduardo Camavinga , Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Excitement for his arrival in Madrid seems to permeate the dressing room with Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr., who tweeted: “Another who chooses the greatest”.
