Real Madrid talent faces defining period after disappointing World Cup with competition from new signing
Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler returns from the World Cup with more questions than answers. Turkiye’s campaign ended far earlier than expected, with Vincenzo Montella’s side crashing out after just two group-stage matches.
There had been genuine optimism surrounding the Turkish national team, and much of that hope rested on Guler.
Instead, they suffered a surprise defeat to Australia before dominating but failing to break down Paraguay, a result that sealed their elimination.
Defining period ahead for Guler
Now, according to AS, for Guler, the tournament ends on a sour note and ushers in what could be the most important season of his career.
The 2025/26 campaign represented a breakthrough for the 20-year-old. Although consistency occasionally eluded him, Guler accumulated more than 3,000 minutes and contributed six goals and 14 assists for Real Madrid.
Out of the World Cup. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
At times, he appeared to be Los Blancos’ only midfielder capable of unlocking deep defences, a problem the team has struggled with since Toni Kroos departed.
Yet the landscape is changing.
Bernardo Silva’s signing changes things
Real Madrid are strengthening their midfield and, with Bernardo Silva already arriving from Manchester City, Guler faces significantly greater competition for a starting place.
Bernardo’s arrival gives Jose Mourinho another high-level option, and the Portuguese international is expected to begin with a slight advantage, considering that the coach pushed for his signing.
That does not mean Guler has fallen out of Mourinho’s plans. If there is one positive to Turkiye’s early exit, it is that the youngster will have more time to work with Mourinho before the season begins.
Bernardo’s arrival increases competition. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The national team’s final group match against the USMNT in Los Angeles on 25 June effectively marks the end of his international duties. After a short holiday period, he is expected to return in mid-July, shortly after Real Madrid’s pre-season begins on 13 July.
That gives him valuable time to build a relationship with Mourinho and fight for his place before the new campaign gets underway.
A critical juncture
Guler has already shown that he possesses the talent to succeed at Real Madrid. The challenge now is proving he can do so consistently while competing against a deeper and more experienced midfield.
With Bernardo arriving and more midfield reinforcements still possible, opportunities may become harder to find.
But with Mourinho waiting on the training ground and already convinced of his talent, Guler will have the chance to make his case from day one.
