Arda Guler retains fan support as Real Madrid plots summer shake-up
Real Madrid's midfielder #15 Arda Guler walks after a team training session at the King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah on January 11, 2025 on the eve of the Spanish Super Cup final football match against FC Barcelona. (AFP Photo)
Real Madrid’s Turkish international Arda Guler continues to generate discussion in Spain, largely because of his limited role in the squad since joining the club.
Despite his lack of playing time, the 20-year-old remains one of the most supported players among fans.
Fans blame club management for Champions League elimination
Spanish newspaper AS organized a large fan poll following Real Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. Out of more than 62,000 votes, 58% of fans blamed the club’s sporting management for the failure.
The players received 24 % of the blame, while the coaching staff was seen as responsible by 18% of voters.
Vallejo tops exit poll, Arda ranks lowest
Another section of the survey asked fans which players should be sold ahead of next season.
Among the top 10 from the 23-man squad, Jesus Vallejo received the most votes with 15% (40,084). Lucas Vazquez and David Alaba followed closely, each with 14 percent support for their departure.
| Player | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus Vallejo | 40,084 | 15% |
| Lucas Vazquez | 37,305 | 14% |
| David Alaba | 36,973 | 14% |
| Ferland Mendy | 28,504 | 10% |
| Vinicius Junior | 23,337 | 9% |
| Luka Modric | 19,385 | 7% |
| Aurelien Tchouameni | 14,790 | 5% |
| Fran Garcia | 13,567 | 5% |
| Rodrygo | 9,820 | 4% |
| Arda Guler | 8,296 | 3% |
| Total Votes | 54,853 |
Ferland Mendy received 10%, while Vinicius Junior—a key figure in the club’s recent Champions League titles—was named by 9% of voters. Luka Modric came in with 7%.
Tchouameni (5%), Fran Garcia (5%), and Rodrygo (4%) were also on the list. At the bottom was Arda Guler, with just 3% (8,296 votes), suggesting strong backing from fans who still see him as part of the club’s future.
Midfield and fullbacks seen as priority areas for reinforcement
The survey also highlighted areas where supporters believe the team must improve. Defensive midfield was considered the biggest concern, with 25% identifying it as the weakest link.
Right back (24%) and left back (21%) followed, reflecting a broader frustration with Madrid’s defensive stability.
Central defense and striker were lower priorities, with 14% and 9%, respectively. Other roles, such as winger, attacking midfield, and goalkeeper, received marginal attention.
Madrid linked with Alexander-Arnold to fill right-back void
In response to these concerns, reports in Spain suggest that Madrid has reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires this summer. The move is seen as a direct response to the issues raised by fans in the poll.
On the left side, despite Ferland Mendy recently signing a new deal, there remain questions over his role in the squad.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to play David Alaba at left back in both legs against Arsenal, further fueling speculation about the position moving forward.
