"Not in the same condition as when he went" - Ex-Turkey coach insists Arda Guler 'doesn’t look happy' at Real Madrid

Former Turkey manager Mustafa Denizli believes Arda Guler looks unhappy at Real Madrid. The Turkey international has struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti this season.

Guler has registered 12 appearances across competitions, but only three of them have been from the start. He has clocked just 307 minutes of first team football for Los Blancos this season.

Speaking after Turkey's 0-0 draw against Wales over the weekend, Denizli insisted that the 19-year-old has suffered due to the intense competition for places at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Arda has shown immaturity in his performance. It’s normal because he’s not in the same condition as when he went to Real Madrid. He doesn’t look happy there. We know that he has enjoyed few minutes and opportunities, but his rivals in the dressing room have stepped up their performances,” said Denizli (via GOAL).

Guler joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, but missed almost the entire first half of the last campaign due to injuries. He ended the season with six goals from 12 games for Los Blancos.

The teenager was outstanding for Turkey at Euro 2024 this summer, helping them reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. He was expected to get a steady run in the starting XI this season, especially with Toni Kroos retiring at the end of last campaign. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.

---

Will Arda Guler leave Real Madrid in January?

Carlo Ancelotti

Arda Guler could be tempted to consider an exit in January unless his situation at Real Madrid improves in the coming weeks. A recent report from SPORT has suggested that Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the player ahead of the winter.

The Red Devils are embarking on a fresh start under Ruben Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford last week. One of the issues pegging the Premier League giants is their lack of goals.

Amorim is likely to use the winter transfer window to address the issue and Guler could be a solution. Despite his struggles with Los Blancos, the player's stock remains high.

The LaLiga giants could let him go, albeit on loan, to help the player continue his development with regular first team action. Guler is reportedly open to the idea of moving to the Premier League as well. The player is under contract with Real Madrid until 2029 and has a reported €1bn release clause.