Nuri Sahin, former Borussia Dortmund coach, admitted recently that he wanted to sign Arda Guler, the talented Turkish playmaker, on loan from Real Madrid for the 2024/25 season.

“I really wanted to bring Arda to Dortmund,” the 37-year-old coach explained on the YouTube channel KAFA Sports, and added: “At that moment he told me clearly: ‘Coach, I am going to stay with this shirt, no matter what happens.’”

The signing ultimately did not materialize, and Sahin did not explain the specific reasons. Despite playing only 12 matches the previous season due to a frustrating muscle injury, Guler stayed at Real Madrid and quickly consolidated himself as an important player.

Even so, he contributed to 14 goals in 43 official matches, mostly as a substitute. In the subsequent Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso started him, and Alvaro Arbeloa maintained that same trust.

This season, he has played 50 matches and has 20 goal contributions, including two crucial goals in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern.

However, on Thursday, Real Madrid reported a serious muscle injury in his thigh, which, although no official return date has been set, appears to have ended his season and puts his presence in the World Cup at serious risk.

Guler is Turkey’s great hope: already in World Cup qualifying, he scored one goal and provided four assists. Signed for Real Madrid in 2023 from Fenerbahce for €28 million and has a contract until 2029. Sahin, for his part, was dismissed as BVB coach some time ago.

After half a year, he was replaced by Niko Kovac. Since September 2025, he has been coaching Basaksehir FK in the Turkish first division, where he currently sits in fifth place with just a few matches left in the season.

As we already mentioned, unfortunately, the player’s current situation is not favorable, as he suffered a painful muscle injury that will keep him off the pitch for the remainder of the season with Real Madrid.

Still anxiously awaiting his progress to determine if he will be in optimal condition to play in the World Cup with his national team, Turkey, which, without a doubt, is his star and most important player.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. 

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favorite teams and news!