When Barcelona tries to sign the 18-year-old Turkish star Arda Guler, they will have to compete with an eternity rival.
After sports director Deco went to Istanbul on Thursday, the Blaugrana seemed to be in a good position to sign the Fenerbahce player. The talks between the two clubs and the player’s agents went well, and it was agreed in general that the player would move to Barcelona in 2024.
But Mundo Deportivo claimed on Saturday that rivals Real Madrid are planning a trip of their own, with club heroes Emilio Butragueno and Roberto Carlos set to visit.
After a great season at Fenerbahce, Guler is one of the most sought-after players in football. Even though he is under contract until 2025, a release clause of €17.5 million (£15 million/$19 million) is said to have made many of Europe’s best teams want to sign him.
Madrid may win in the end because it has more financial freedom. During his last time as president, Laporta was able to pull a number of financial buttons, but the club is still in a lot of debt.
The player has already had a good summer. He helped his country win two important Euro 2024 qualifier games. In the coming weeks, there may be more good news.