Real Madrid has begun its preparations for the 2026–27 season, with Portuguese coach José Mourinho placing a strong emphasis on developing young players, most notably Arda Güler, whom he sees as one of the team’s most promising prospects.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Mourinho has devised a special plan to develop the Turkish midfielder after he returned to Real Madrid training following his participation with the Turkish national team in the 2026 World Cup. Güler was the first international player to rejoin the club’s preseason training camp.
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He resumed training at Valdebebas after a period of rest following Turkey’s elimination in the first round of the World Cup, beginning a new phase in which he hopes to establish himself in the team’s starting lineup.
The report confirmed that Mourinho’s admiration for Güler’s potential is not new. He previously tried to sign him on loan while managing Fenerbahçe, and he believes the player possesses the qualities to become one of Real Madrid’s most important stars in the coming years.
The Portuguese coach is keen to work closely with the 21-year-old, aiming to develop his technical and tactical abilities and give him a more prominent role at the Santiago Bernabéu next season.
Despite the high regard in which Güler is held, competition for his position will be fierce, especially after the arrival of Bernardo Silva. The two players are expected to compete for the playmaker and right-wing positions within Mourinho’s preferred tactical system.
Güler enjoyed an outstanding season with Real Madrid, providing 14 assists across all competitions, including eight goals scored by Kylian Mbappé, demonstrating the excellent understanding between the two players.
The newspaper believes that Mourinho considers Arda Güler a key player he plans to rely on in the future and hopes that his technical development will have a direct impact on Real Madrid’s results in the upcoming season.
