Arda Güler’s name is once again being linked to FC Barcelona, as the young Turkish star reportedly questions his decision to join Real Madrid instead of the Catalan club two summers ago.

Back then, Barcelona had strong interest in signing him, but Madrid moved quicker in negotiations. Now, after a frustrating season under Carlo Ancelotti, Güler is rumored to be exploring his options for the future.

Güler’s Struggles at Real Madrid

The 20-year-old playmaker arrived at Madrid as one of the most promising talents in Europe, but his first season has been disappointing:

• Injuries disrupted his early months at the club.

• Even after recovery, Ancelotti has given him minimal playing time.

• The expected arrival of Kylian Mbappé next season makes his chances of regular minutes even slimmer.

• Meanwhile, his contemporaries at Barça, like Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Pau Cubarsí, have already become key players in Flick’s squad.

Hansi Flick and Barcelona’s Interest

With Hansi Flick set to take charge at Barcelona, reports suggest that the German manager rates Güler highly and sees him as a valuable addition to his squad, potentially rotating with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the right wing.

Moreover, Barcelona sporting director Deco—who previously pushed for his signing in 2023—still maintains a strong relationship with Güler’s entourage, which could help in negotiations.

A Complicated Transfer, but Not Impossible

The biggest challenge in bringing Güler to Barcelona is:

• His contract includes a €1 billion release clause, making a direct move to Barça nearly impossible.

• Florentino Pérez will not sell him to Barcelona, meaning the only viable options would be:

1. A loan move (unlikely unless Madrid sees no future for him).

2. A sale to a third club, like Liverpool, who see him as a potential heir to Mohamed Salah.

Could Güler Push for an Exit?

The tension between Ancelotti and Güler may also play a role in his decision:

• Reports claim Ancelotti believes Güler’s entourage is pressuring for minutes that he hasn’t yet earned.

• If Ancelotti stays at Madrid, Güler might push for an exit in the summer.

Barcelona’s Strategy: Stay Alert for Opportunities

With Barcelona expected to offload players to generate funds and their financial situation improving, Laporta and Deco are ready to explore any opportunity to sign Güler—whether this summer or in the future.

While a direct move remains unlikely, a long-term transfer strategy could see Güler eventually don the Blaugrana colors, should his situation at Real Madrid continue to stagnate.