Barcelona could seal agreement for 18-year-old wonderkid next week – report

Arda Guler has been likened to Lionel Messi innumerable times over the past year. The young Turkish sensation is regarded as one of the most talented players of the next generation, and it is no surprise that top European clubs are lining up at his doorstep.

Barcelona are one of the teams interested in the prodigy with Joan Laporta even confirming the same publicly. As mentioned by the club president, the aim is to bring the player next summer with Deco already in talks with his entourage.

“Today Deco was in Istanbul. La Liga allows us to make operations for next season without impacting on Fair Play. Arda Guler is a very talented player and we are trying to close the deal.”

According to reports from Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has laid the foundations of Guler’s transfer with Fenerbahce in his recent trip to Turkey.

The full agreement could be sealed as early as next week as long as the 18-year-old agrees to spend the next season at Fenerbahce.

At 18 years of age, the Turkish star has exhibited tremendous potential, not only with his composure on the ball but also his ability to find the decisive pass under pressure. 

The club sent an official proposal to Fenerbahce yesterday, and it is rumoured that the offer involved Guler staying in Turkey for another year before moving to Catalonia. Less than 24 hours later, the situation is not as clear.

Some sources suggest that Barcelona can bring in the teenager in the ongoing transfer market, avoiding the one-year wait for his incorporation. For that, however, Barcelona must find a way to finance his €17.5 million release clause.

The coming days will be crucial in deciding if the youngster prioritises Barcelona or turns to the interest from Real Madrid and AC Milan. Nonetheless, it will also be intriguing to see how the Azulgranas arrange the money in their cash-strapped state.