To loan or not to loan — Real Madrid and the Arda Guler conundrum
Arda Guler finds himself in a precarious position at Real Madrid, stirring up concerns among the club’s insiders.
While some recognize his undeniable talent and advocate for more opportunities, others face the stark reality of a crowded midfield roster.
Given the current lineup saturation, there seems to be little room for him to secure a spot in the starting XI, especially with crucial matches on the horizon.
Since joining from Fenerbahce, Guler’s appearances have been scarce, totalling just seven games across all competitions, with a lone goal to his name.
His only start came in a Copa del Rey match against Arandina, a fixture of minimal significance, and he couldn’t even see it through to the end.
These circumstances naturally prompt speculation about his future with the club. Eleven looking ahead to the next season, it appears increasingly unlikely that he will find regular playing time in the first-team setup.
The dilemma raises questions about whether staying at Real Madrid will truly serve his career aspirations, considering the limited opportunities available, or should the 19-year-old explore more avenues that are already presented to him.
Interest in Guler is plenty
It is no secret that Guler’s situation epitomizes the struggle many talented players face in top-tier clubs—caught between the desire for more playing time and the harsh realities of squad depth.
At present, Guler happens to have several opportunities at his disposal. Earlier, we reported Sevilla’s interest and even before that, Real Sociedad happened to have shown willingness for his acquisition.
Interestingly, even Outside of Spain – Germany to be precise – Guler is reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich.
Loan, keep or sell?
At present, Guler is working at his optimal level to finish the season on a high. For that, he has gained considerable amount of muscle mass, gaining almost eight kilos.
Despite his dedication, though, Real Madrid’s squad remain formidable, particularly in midfield. This is because Toni Kroos has agreed to prolong his contract, while Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham are pivotal figures.
Even with Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz offering depth, there is little room for Guler, even if Luka Modric exits. All this leaves no room for him to break through, making a loan essential.
There were murmurs that Madrid might opt for a two-year loan for Guler, akin to Brahim’s situation. However, given Guler’s promising display and the club’s stance, this seems improbable.
If Madrid truly value his future, they should loan him to another La Liga club for a season to aid his adaptation. Subsequently, the decision will rest with the club.
In essence, Madrid’s stacked midfield and attack leaves Guler with few opportunities for immediate integration. A loan seems inevitable to provide him with crucial playing time.
While there is speculation about the loan duration, Madrid’s preference for his development indicates a temporary move. Ultimately, his fate lies in Madrid’s hands, with a loan to a La Liga side offering the best pathway for his growth.