BREAKING NEWS: England’s Big Four clubs have put $200 million on the transfer table to secure Arda Güler’s signature. President Pérez and manager Xabi Alonso have had opposing reactions regarding the future of this young world-class talent.
The European football transfer market has ignited with news that has shaken Real Madrid to its core: four of England’s most powerful clubs have put on the table a joint offer of $200 million to secure the services of Arda Güler, the young Turkish talent who has dazzled the international scene. This move has generated an internal division within the club, with president Florentino Pérez and coach Xabi Alonso displaying radically opposing positions on the future of the 20-year-old player, considered one of the most promising gems in world football.
Arda Güler arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Fenerbahçe, with the label of being one of the most talented attacking midfielders of his generation. His technical quality, vision, and ability to turn games around quickly made him a favorite with Real Madrid fans. However, his playing time under Carlo Ancelotti was limited, leading to speculation about his future. With the arrival of Xabi Alonso in the Real Madrid dugout in May 2025, many expected Güler to find a more prominent place in the team, especially following his outstanding performances at the Club World Cup, where he showcased his ability to assist and create plays from a deeper position in midfield.
However, sources close to the club reveal that Xabi Alonso is not entirely convinced that Güler fits into his long-term tactical vision. The Basque coach, known for his meticulous approach and preference for a style of play based on control and intensity, believes the young Turk still needs to refine his defensive and physical skills to fully adapt to his system. Alonso reportedly welcomes the possibility of accepting an offer for Güler, especially if the funds raised can be used to strengthen other areas of the team, such as defense or defensive midfield, where Real Madrid have shown weaknesses this season. The idea of including Güler in a move to acquire a midfielder like Enzo Fernández, for example, has been mentioned as a possibility, although not without controversy.
On the other hand, Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, remains firm in his decision to retain Güler. For Pérez, the Turkish player represents not only the present but also the future of the club. His position is based on the belief that Güler has the potential to become a Real Madrid icon, comparable to figures like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos in their time. Pérez has flatly rejected any offer for the player, arguing that his market value will continue to grow in the coming years and that releasing him now would be a strategic error. This stance has generated internal tensions, as the president sees Güler as a long-term investment, while Alonso seems to prioritize immediate results and a more tactically balanced team.
The $200 million offer from English clubs, rumored to include Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and another unnamed team, has added fuel to the fire. These clubs see Güler as a unique talent, capable of making a difference in the Premier League, where his creativity and versatility would be welcomed. However, Güler himself has repeatedly expressed his desire to succeed at Real Madrid, which could tip the balance in favor of Pérez’s position. In a recent interview, the player emphasized his enthusiasm for working under Alonso and his confidence in adapting to the new role he has been assigned in midfield, closer to the ball and with greater responsibility for creating play.
The debate over Güler’s future not only reflects the philosophical differences between Pérez and Alonso, but also the challenges Real Madrid faces in this new era. After a trophyless 2024-2025 season and a painful Club World Cup exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, the club is in the midst of a rebuilding process. The arrival of new talents like Franco Mastantuono and the recovery of key players like Jude Bellingham add complexity to the team’s management. In the meantime, Real Madrid fans eagerly await a resolution that will allow Güler to shine at the Bernabéu, either under Alonso’s tutelage or in a future project led by Pérez.
As the transfer market progresses, all eyes are on Real Madrid and how this internal conflict will be resolved. Will Florentino Pérez’s long-term vision prevail, or will the club buckle under the pressure of multimillion-dollar offers and Xabi Alonso’s strategy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Arda Güler remains the center of attention in the football world.
