If you ask an Arsenal supporter that Real Madrid “released” Martin Ødegaard, and that for 40 million euros, you will get the answer: “The big steal”. Carlo Ancelotti was one of the coaches who refused to give the Norwegian player more than playing time, in the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals, Ødegaard led Arsenal to victory against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid as a thank you for the last time. In the past year, another super talent in midfield has been linked to exit Real Madrid, but this time the Spaniards have clearly learned.
Arda Güler was brought to Real Madrid in 2023, has been praised as the next big thing in midfield, but was given a crumb of playing time by Ancelotti. Before last season, the Italian coaching legend said goodbye, now first Xabi Alonso, then Alvaro Arbeloa opened the playing time door for the young midfielder.
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It ended with over three thousand minutes on the pitch for Güler, a clear signal that he did not need to “take a Ødegaard” to develop further. Now, transfer journalist Romano reports that the contract extension with Güler is “100% in place”, with the club ready to make public and take the official photos that confirm the commitment to the Turkish 21-year-old.
Before the 2025/20256 season, the market price of Güler was 40 million euros (transfermarkt). Beyond that autumn, it increased to 60 million euros. At the start of the 2026/27 season, transfermarkt considers the 21-year-old as a 100 million euro player.
Real Madrid have learned.
