It hasn’t been the fairytale start Arda Güler hoped for at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old Turkish prodigy, once touted as one of the brightest stars of his generation, now finds himself at a career crossroads just one season into his Bernabéu journey.
A Harsh Reality at the Bernabéu
Since arriving with great fanfare, Güler has struggled to break into Carlo Ancelotti’s competitive squad. Limited game time, fierce competition, and the tactical demands of a star-studded midfield have left the youngster fighting for scraps of minutes—and with no real sign of change in sight.
Despite Ancelotti’s reputation for nurturing young talent, Güler hasn’t had the platform to prove himself. Injuries and form have further complicated his chances.
The Message Is Clear: Find a New Team
According to recent reports, Güler has been explicitly warned by the club: find a new team this summer—whether on loan or via a permanent deal. The goal is simple: get the playing time he desperately needs to grow, something Real Madrid currently cannot offer.
Nico Paz Could Be the Final Push
Making matters worse for Güler is the looming return of Nico Paz, the Spanish-Argentine wonderkid currently tearing it up at Como under Cesc Fàbregas. Madrid reportedly retained a €9M buyback clause, and with Paz flourishing in Serie B and expressing a strong desire to return, the midfield competition could soon become even more intense.
Should Paz return, it could effectively close the door on Güler’s already limited chances in the first team.
What’s Next for Güler?
• Loan to La Liga or Serie A could be ideal to gain experience at a high level.
• Bundesliga clubs have also shown interest, which could be a good stylistic fit.
• A permanent sale with a buyback clause (Madrid’s usual strategy for young talents) is also on the table.
Final Thoughts
It’s not a goodbye just yet—but for Arda Güler, this summer will be make-or-break. If he wants to prove he belongs at the top level, he’ll need to shine elsewhere first. A smart move now could open the door back to the Bernabéu in the future—just as others like Brahim Díaz and potentially Nico Paz have done.
