Arda Guler to play key role under Xabi Alonso – Romano

A new era is on the horizon for Real Madrid, and it could spell the long-awaited breakthrough for one of their most talented young players — Arda Guler. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Turkish prodigy is expected to assume a more prominent role at the Santiago Bernabéu under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who has long admired the midfielder’s talent.

“Xabi Alonso is a big fan of Arda Guler,” Romano revealed. “He tried to bring him to Bayer Leverkusen during previous transfer windows, but Real Madrid moved faster.” The admiration between coach and player has existed from a distance, but circumstances now suggest they’ll finally unite in the Spanish capital.

Guler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe last summer, endured a frustrating debut season under Carlo Ancelotti, limited to sporadic appearances due to injury setbacks and fierce competition in midfield. Despite his evident technical quality and creative instincts, Ancelotti was reportedly hesitant to rely on the teenager for extended stretches.

Romano added further context to this situation: “Carlo Ancelotti was never really convinced about Arda. He appreciated his talent, but preferred more experienced players in key matches. Only in the final weeks did he start to realise the quality Guler brings.”

Indeed, towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Guler started to see more game time, offering glimpses of his potential — quick feet, vision, and an eye for the spectacular. In limited minutes, he created chances, showed maturity beyond his years, and started to earn the trust of fans and teammates alike.

With Ancelotti set to depart for the Brazil national team and Xabi Alonso preparing to take over at Madrid, Guler’s role is expected to expand. The former midfield maestro, who just led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title, is believed to favor technical, intelligent players who can interpret space and dictate the tempo of a match — traits that describe Guler perfectly.

“Alonso is not just arriving to maintain the status quo,” Romano explained. “He has specific plans for the squad, and Arda Guler is one of the players who fits perfectly into his tactical philosophy.”

Alonso’s system at Leverkusen was marked by fluidity, quick transitions, and positional awareness. He transformed young talents like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong into elite contributors — a promising sign for Guler, who could benefit from similar mentorship and a clear tactical framework.

The Turkish international is also expected to feature prominently in high-stakes fixtures, with Romano hinting that Guler may start the upcoming El Clásico — a move that would signal both confidence and ambition from Alonso. “He’s expected to start against Barcelona,” Romano said. “It will be a big test, but a massive opportunity for him to showcase his talent on the biggest stage.”

This could mark the beginning of a new chapter, not just for Guler, but for Madrid’s midfield as a whole. With Luka Modric nearing the end of his career and Toni Kroos having already announced his retirement, the club is in transition — and Guler’s rise may be perfectly timed.

It’s not just about replacing legends, however. Guler brings a unique profile: more advanced, more flair-driven, and more inclined to operate between the lines than Kroos or Modric. His creativity and risk-taking ability could offer Real Madrid a new dimension, especially in matches where the opposition sits deep.

Alonso, who spent five years at Madrid as a player and understands the pressure cooker environment better than most, will likely know how to manage Guler’s development — offering enough responsibility without overburdening him too soon. His experience nurturing youth at Leverkusen could prove invaluable.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Alonso reportedly plans to bring three members of his Leverkusen backroom staff to Madrid. These assistants, accustomed to working with youth and modern tactical setups, may help accelerate Guler’s adaptation and development.

Fans of Real Madrid — and Turkish football alike — have long clamored to see more of Guler. With Alonso’s arrival, the stars may finally be aligning for the youngster to become a regular fixture in the starting eleven.

Guler’s mentality has also impressed observers. Despite the setbacks and limited playing time in his first season, he never complained publicly. Instead, he continued to train hard, listen, and stay ready for his chance — the hallmark of a professional beyond his years.

If Guler can stay fit and maintain consistency, there’s no doubt that the 2025/26 season could become his breakout year. Real Madrid have made a significant investment in his future, and Alonso seems intent on making sure it pays off.

With the Clasico approaching, and Madrid transitioning into a new era of footballing identity, all eyes will be on Arda Guler. His time in the shadows may be over — and under Xabi Alonso, the spotlight is finally his to claim.