Ryan Babel says he asked European giants to sign Real Madrid star Arda Guler 3 years ago

Ryan Babel claims he urged Ajax to sign Real Madrid attacker Arda Guler three years ago. The Turkish star lit up Euro 2024 on Tuesday (June 18) with a wonderstrike in his nation's 3-1 win against Georgia.

Babel played for several clubs in Turkiye, including Galatasaray. The former Liverpool winger may have learned of Guler as one of Turkish football's most exciting prospects while the attacking gem was at Fenerbahce. He claims to have advised Eredivisie giants Ajax to swoop for him years ago (via Madrid Xtra):

"I told Ajax to sign Arda Guler 3 years ago."

Guler, 19, made a promising start to his Real Madrid career last season after recovering from a long-term muscle injury. He posted six goals in 12 games across competitions and could be a starter next season.

The young forward arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Fenerbahce last summer for €20 million. He'd been one of Europe's hottest commodities for several years amid a meteoric rise that saw him dubbed the 'Turkish Messi.'

Guler's breathtaking goal for Turkiye in their opening Euro 2024 game against Georgia could be a contender for Goal of the Tournament. He also surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming the youngest player to score on their debut at a Euros.

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"Tournament being dictated by youngens" - Rio Ferdinand hailed Real Madrid's Arda Guler after his goal

Arda Guler is one of several European wonderkids coming to the fore in Germany.

Rio Ferdinand was wowed by Guler's incredible strike in Turkiye's win against Georgia. The iconic former Manchester United defender talked up the goal with a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account):

"Arda Guler (shooting star). Tournament being dictated by the youngens."

Guler was the latest youngster to shine at Euro 2024, with Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham coming to the fore on Sunday (June 16). The 20-year-old Los Blancos superstar powered home a vital winner for England in a 1-0 win against Serbia.

Barcelona duo Pedri, 21, and Lamine Yamal, 16, impressed with an assist each in Spain's 3-0 victory against Croatia (June 15). Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz (both 21) dazzled as hosts Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1 (June 14).

It's proving a strong competition as the favorites all won their respective opening games. Guler's Turkiye could be dark horses after impressing against Georgia, although they have a big test next as they face Portugal (June 22).