Real Madrid playmaker rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler is widely regarded as one of the most talented young playmakers in European football right now.

Despite his struggles in breaking into the Real Madrid first team upon arriving, the Turkish international is highly regarded and was courted by multiple clubs across Europe.

In fact, Guler was handed an opportunity to move to the Bundesliga by joining Borussia Dortmund, as confirmed by then-manager Nuri Sahin.

Guler rejected the Dortmund move

In a recent interview, Sahin admitted he was keen on signing Arda Guler for Borussia Dortmund in the early stages of his career.

“I really wanted Arda to come to Dortmund,” said Sahin (h/t SPORT), who managed Dortmund only for six months between June 2024 and January 2025.

As a former Turkish international, Sahin is well aware of the Turkish market and always had his eye on Guler, even from his time at Fenerbahce.

Arda Guler had the opportunity to join Borussia Dortmund early on. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, Sahin revealed that Guler was not too keen on joining Dortmund and was hell-bent on playing for Real Madrid, a club he had joined in 2023.

“Whatever happens, I’ll get this shirt,” Guler said, talking about the Real Madrid shirt while rejecting Dortmund.

The move to Real Madrid did work out for Guler at the end, with the Turkish international now being a key player in the setup.

The youngster has over 100 appearances for Los Blancos. But the coming season will be an important one as he doesn’t only have to prove himself but also compete with newcomers such as Nico Paz.

Guler, for now, is nursing an injury and is unlikely to feature again this season. However, he should be ready and available for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.