Transfer Centre

Jose Mourinho 'makes plea' to Real Madrid over 19-year-old loan deal

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 07 June 2024

Newly-appointed Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing one of Real Madrid's prospects on loan for 2024-25.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly eager to sign a Real Madrid player ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

The Portuguese has just been confirmed as the new boss of the Turkish giants, tasked with trying to dethrone Galatasaray after they agonisingly missed out on the Super Lig title this season.

Attracting Mourinho to Turkey could now plausibly result in more high-profile additions making the switch to the Şukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Mourinho has been quick to deny reports that any player from Roma - who he managed up until January this year - could be targeted during the summer transfer window.

However, it appears the 61-year-old has plans to return to one of his other former clubs in a bid to acquire one of their top prospects.

Real Madrid's Arda Guler celebrates scoring against Villarreal on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Mourinho wants Guler reunion with Fenerbahce

According to Diario AS, Mourinho is interested in securing a loan deal for Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to Fenerbahce having spent the latter part of his youth days at the club before starring for the senior side as a teenager.

Guler contributed an outstanding nine goals and 12 assists from his 51 appearances for Fenerbahce before leaving for the Bernabeu shortly after his 18th birthday.

His opening campaign in Spain did not go to plan, though, with much of his time spent on the sidelines through injury before he excelled during the latter stages of the season.

During his final seven appearances, Guler chipped in with six goals that were spread across five outings; he would play just 10 matches all season.

Arda Guler celebrates scoring for Fenerbahce on November 3, 2022 © Reuters

How may Real react?

Given how Guler performed during the final weeks of the season, the likelihood is that Carlo Ancelotti would prefer to keep him at his disposal.

There are enough games in Real's season where Guler could be used on a regular basis, yet the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick complicates matters.

Those two players - particularly Mbappe - will be deemed ahead of Guler in the pecking order at a time when Real will be conscious that Guler requires regular game time.

Although Los Blancos officials may prefer for Guler to play in a higher-quality league, taking on a key role in familiar surroundings may be viewed as the next-best option.