Real Madrid star Arda Guler is allegedly being "bullied" by his fellow teammates. The Turkish midfielder has been at the Estadio Bernabeu since the summer of 2023.
The 20-year-old has failed to nail down a regular starting berth in the Madrid team. He has cut a frustrated figure on several occasions this season including in a 4-2 loss to Benfica in the Champions League.
Guler was subbed off in the second half at the Estadio da Luz and was caught saying, "Always me, always me." But there might be more to the story than just a player venting his frustrations with his opportunities.
Bullying claim made over Real Madrid's Guler
Guler joined Madrid from Turkish giants Fenerbahce where he was labelled the next Mesut Ozil. He joined the Super Lig's youth academy from Genclerbirligi Ankara Youth in 2019.
The man who oversaw that switch was Serhat Pekmezci, and the executive has alleged that Guler has been receiving poor treatment from his fellow players. He said (via Mundo Deportivo):
“Even though Real Madrid is a mega-club, Arda Güler is being bullied. It's not that he complained to me, but I knew this would happen. I told him to be patient."
Pekmezci went on to claim that players with "very high egos" are behind this:
"The harassment was coming from the players. There is a group there that hasn’t been able to accept Arda; unfortunately, they are players with very high egos."
The Turk seemed to suggest that his comments against Benfica are on the midfielder's mind regularly:
“Arda is very patient and self-aware, but even he has started to rebel, thinking: ‘Why is it always me?’”
Madrid will have to address this situation if the claims are true. Having bullying occuring in the locker room is wrong and will only further jeopardise the harmony of the squad.
There's no word on whom is allegedly harrassing Guler although the claim of players with "high egos" suggests it's high-profile stars. The Turk has yet to comment but will surely have to give his stance.
Is Guler eyeing a departure?
Putting aside the problems that appear to be occuring behind-the-scenes involving Guler, he has still to reach expectations. Many assumed he'd be an important player in Los Blancos' team this season and while he has contributed he hasn't set the world alight.
Guler has made 35 appearances times across competitions, posting three goals and 12 assists. His status in the starting lineup is one of interest because he isn't an undisputed starter.
There has been speculation over the Turkiye international's future ahead of the summer transfer window. Reports claim that Arsenal are eyeing the versatile midfielder as a potential Martin Odegaard replacement.