Real Madrid playmaker rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid playmaker rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler is widely regarded as one of the most talented young playmakers in European football right now.

Despite his struggles in breaking into the Real Madrid first team upon arriving, the Turkish international is highly regarded and was courted by multiple clubs across Europe.

In fact, Guler was handed an opportunity to move to the Bundesliga by joining Borussia Dortmund, as confirmed by then-manager Nuri Sahin.

Guler rejected the Dortmund move

In a recent interview, Sahin admitted he was keen on signing Arda Guler for Borussia Dortmund in the early stages of his career.

“I really wanted Arda to come to Dortmund,” said Sahin (h/t SPORT), who managed Dortmund only for six months between June 2024 and January 2025.

As a former Turkish international, Sahin is well aware of the Turkish market and always had his eye on Guler, even from his time at Fenerbahce.

Arda Guler had the opportunity to join Borussia Dortmund early on. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, Sahin revealed that Guler was not too keen on joining Dortmund and was hell-bent on playing for Real Madrid, a club he had joined in 2023.