Mourinho eager to work with Real Madrid prodigy, has specific plans for him | OneFootball

Arda Guler has officially returned to Real Madrid’s pre-season training, becoming the first of the club’s World Cup participants to rejoin Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Turkish midfielder reported to Valdebebas on Monday and immediately took part in the team’s ball-work sessions, beginning what could be a defining season in his Real Madrid career.

Guler is the first international player to return from his post-World Cup break. More reinforcements are expected throughout the week, with Federico Valverde set to return next, followed by Antonio Rudiger.

As the squad gradually comes back together, Mourinho will have more opportunities to shape the team ahead of the new season.

Mourinho has high hopes

Now, as reported by AS, Guler is one of the players Mourinho has been particularly eager to work with.

Mourinho looking forward to working with Guler. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

It is clear that the new Real Madrid boss is an admirer of the 21-year-old playmaker. After all, the Portuguese coach previously tried to bring the midfielder to Fenerbahce on loan, and the pair also met during one of Guler’s visits to Istanbul.

Now, they will finally work together on a daily basis, with Mourinho having specific plans for the youngster to get the best out of him at the club.

Bernardo Silva increases competition

One of the strongest arguments in Guler’s favour is the partnership he developed with Kylian Mbappe last season.

Eight of Güler’s 14 assists were converted by the French striker, highlighting an attacking understanding that Real Madrid hopes to build upon.

However, earning a starting place will not be easy. The arrival of Bernardo Silva has significantly increased the competition for places.

Stiff competition for places in midfield. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

In Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, Guler and Bernardo are expected to battle for a starting position, either on the right flank or in the midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, where Federico Valverde is also expected to feature, creating further competition.

A crucial season ahead

Inside the club, there is a growing feeling that this will be a pivotal campaign for Guler.

His talent has never been in doubt, but with Mourinho demanding immediate results and Real Madrid entering one of its most ambitious projects in recent years, every opportunity will matter.

The Turkish international now begins pre-season determined to prove he deserves a central role in Madrid’s future.