Former Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has lightheartedly confirmed that he would be more than open to the prospect of Arda Güler returning to Fenerbahçe this summer.
Güler, for his part, is of course fresh off his debut campaign in Spain’s capital.
Though it took time for the 19-year-old to be afforded the kind of game-time which he so desperately craved, in the end, Güler carved out a role for himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
On his way to six goals in his final seven appearances of the campaign, the summer arrival in Madrid made crystal clear exactly why Los Blancos were so keen on his signature in the first place.
After rampant media speculation pointed towards Güler as being lined up for a season-long loan away from the Santiago Bernabéu, the widespread expectation, now, is that he is all set to stay put.
And yet, as alluded to above, the name of youngster Güler nevertheless took its place front and centre in the aforementioned José Mourinho’s latest exchange with the press.
Speaking during his first press conference as manager of Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, former Real headmaster Mourinho was drawn on the possibility of bringing the club’s former midfield sensation back for next season.
In quotes sourced by Marca, however, the iconic tactician admitted that he considers it as altogether unlikely that Güler himself would be keen on such a prospect:
“If he wants to come… but honestly, when you are at Real Madrid, and you are European champion and you are going to play against World Cup clubs and you are young, I don’t think you have it in mind to return.”
Mourinho, with a wry smile etched across his face, then added:
“But if he loves the club where he grew up and wants to come, for free, and if Real Madrid pays him 75% of his salary, we wouldn’t say no.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
