Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has confirmed that teenager and midfielder Arda Güler will be leaving the Turkish club but not likely to Barcelona and not immediately, according to other reports.

Arda Güler, for the majority of the summer transfer window so far, has been linked with Barcelona, but Real Madrid entered into the race last week, and it has changed the tides of the deal.

The Los Blancos will now have to pay €20M instead of his €17.5M, which is his release clause but will also not join the Spanish capital club immediately. Fenerbahce president Koc revealed that the player has decided to move to the big European leagues despite the love he’s shown at home.

“Arda Güler has decided to leave. We found a way for him to stay one more year, but he has decided he wants to leave, and we have to respect that; millions of fans have embraced Arda, and we know the interest he arouses wherever we go; we have to tell the process to many people, they deserve to know. The process has not been finalized. Once the process is finished, I have an obligation to explain all the developments in detail. The fact that Arda is so desired is the pride of Turkish football.” Koc said.

While the Turk didn’t mention the player’s next destination, the move to Madrid is strongly believed because of the player’s preference for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will have to look for a new manager next summer after it was confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will be taking charge of the Brazilian national team next year. Nevertheless, he has managed to help the capital club begin a rebuilding process that has seen Jude Bellingham join the club this summer and four other players leaving at the end of the last season.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu