Liverpool have not enjoyed dealing with Real Madrid on or off the pitch in recent years.
Having won 21 European titles between them, the Reds and Los Blancos are two of European football’s true powerhouse clubs.
However, when the pair have met of late, it has been one-way traffic. The scars still remain from the Champions League final defeats of 2018 and 2022 as well as the thumping at Anfield in 2023.
Real have also scuppered Liverpool in the transfer market on more than one occasion. The Spanish giants even forced the Reds to miss out on Leny Yoro this summer, despite him ultimately joining Manchester United.
With all that pain deep in the memory bank, though, Liverpool could now be about to finally get one over on Madrid.
Arda Guler could push for Real Madrid exit
Liverpool have rarely done direct business with Real Madrid. The last time the Reds brought a player from the Bernabeu to be in their first-team squad was Antonio Nunez back in 2004.
Beyond Nunez being a pawn in the deal that saw Michael Owen move to Spain, Liverpool have never bought a player direct from Real.
This year, there are murmurings that that could change. There were reports as recently as Monday that Liverpool have asked about signing Andriy Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper.
Claims from earlier in the summer suggested that Liverpool could target Rodrygo Goes as well. Given that Carlo Ancelotti has added Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to his already deep squad, some attacking talent may be surplus to requirements.
Another player who could fall into this unfortunate category is Turkish teenager Arda Guler. Guler was called a ‘superstar’ by Gary Lineker and Micah Richards for his excellent turn at Euro 2024 this summer.
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But despite his talent, he barely played for Real in his debut year at the club in 2023/24. As a result, there have been claims that Liverpool have made an enquiry about Guler’s availability.
And Spanish outlet SPORT now report that the 19-year-old is looking to move away. Guler is reportedly keen to play much more this season and is said to be prepared to ‘force an exit’ if necessary.
It’s claimed that any move would initially be on-loan and at the moment is still dependent on where he fits into Ancelotti’s plans.
Madrid are reportedly unwilling to lose Guler, but with a number of players now likely to be ahead of him in the squad, the Turkey international could supposedly push to leave regardless.
Liverpool should capitalise on Arda Guler situation
It hasn’t been often that Madrid have got their squad planning wrong recently. However, they do look to have dropped the ball with Guler.
In Vinicius Jnr, Rodrygo, Mbappe and quite probably Endrick, Ancelotti already has four attackers who would expect to start most games.
Throw in Brahim Diaz and even Jude Bellingham and things are looking difficult for Guler. That could open the door for the Reds.
There were strong claims that Liverpool were in for Guler last summer, before he signed for Real. As a left-footed forward you can see why he would appeal to Arne Slot at the present time.
A loan may not be ideal for Liverpool, but if they can turn the player’s head then maybe that can still go one step further. This could certainly be one to keep an eye on.
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