Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler has been on the radar of most top clubs this summer, but Spanish giants FC Barcelona appear to be leading the race for the Fenerbahce prodigy. The Turkish International has risen to prominence on the back of an impressive campaign in the Super Lig last season. And now, Barca, who were previously scouting the player, are prepared to launch an official approach.
Roger Torello: Deco’s intervention proved crucial in fending off rivals for Arda Guler. Barça reached an agreement with Fenerbahçe, where they will pay the €17.5 million termination clause in installments, while allowing Güler to remain on loan for another season. pic.twitter.com/B9ZAoVUUXH
— The Barca Index (@BarcaIndex) July 3, 2023
However, they are set to face competition for his signature, as a number of clubs are said to be courting the talented forward. Fortunately for the Catalan giants, they have an ace up their sleeve in the form of Fenerbahce President Ali Koc.
The Billionaire is known to have close ties with the club. His consumer electronics and appliances brand, Beko, sponsored Barcelona’s training kits for three seasons. Now heading the board at Fenerbahce, Boc will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Guler’s proposed transfer.
As per recent indications, the Billionaire appears to be in favor of the deal. He has reportedly invited Guler and his family for a vacation in the celebrity hotspot known as Bodrum. Prior to this, he helped facilitate a personal meeting between the player and Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco. The player’s family, who were present during the meeting, were impressed with Barcelona’s approach, which could sway things in the club’s favor.
Barcelona just pulled off another major flex in the race to sign Arda Guler. This dude is literally on vacation, living it up on a fancy yacht owned by Fenerbahce’s billionaire president, Ali Koc. And get this, Koc used to sponsor Barcelona through his company, Beko. pic.twitter.com/8AFGBYDAoN
— The FTBL Index 🎙 ⚽ (@TheFootballInd) July 3, 2023
Turkish outlets have also reported that Boc appreciates the terms offered by the Spanish club. Barcelona will reportedly allow Guler to remain in Turkey for another season, before enrolling him into their squad in the subsequent season.
Is Arda Guler joining Barcelona?
While matters are far from finalized, all indications point towards Barcelona leading the race for the talented 18-year-old. Besides their connections to Ali Boc, there are many factors favoring the club’s chances. For instance, it appears that Barca legend Lionel Messi is the player’s idol. He hinted at the idea in a cryptic Instagram story.
Arda Guler on Instagram 🧐 #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/I0I7TnTqvi
— Inter Miami CF (@intermiamifc0) June 30, 2023
Furthermore, Barcelona President Joan Laporta has been particularly confident about signing the player, During a recent interview, he said, “Deco is now working on Arda Güler. La Liga allow us to carry out the operations that do not count for this year.”
“Our scouting department was following Arda. We also have Deco’s opinion. We are trying to complete the deal for next year.” As suggested by Laporta, a transfer for Guler will likely see the player join Barcelona next season.