Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin has confirmed he pursued a loan move for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Güler during his brief tenure at the Bundesliga club. The revelation, made during an interview on the KAFA Sports YouTube channel, underscores Dortmund’s continued interest in the Turkish international despite ultimately failing to secure his services.
Sahin, who was dismissed after six months in charge at Signal Iduna Park, stated he was “desperate to bring Arda to Dortmund” for the 2024/25 season. He recalled Güler’s response during their conversations: “Coach, I’m going to grab that jersey, no matter what.” The quote highlights the player’s ambition and Sahin’s determination to add the young talent to his squad.
The pursuit occurred even as Sahin was head coach at Borussia Dortmund, a role he held from summer 2023 until his dismissal in January 2024. Despite Dortmund’s historical interest in Güler — dating back to his time at Fenerbahçe — the club could not compete with Real Madrid’s pull. Güler moved to the Spanish capital in summer 2023 for a reported €28 million, signing a long-term contract with Los Blancos.
Although Güler made only 12 appearances for Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season — some limited by a persistent muscle injury — he still contributed 14 goals across 43 competitive outings, mostly as a substitute. His impact grew under new coach Xabi Alonso, where he became a regular starter at the Club World Cup, a run that continued under Alonso’s successor Álvaro Arbeloa.
In the current 2024/25 season, Güler has already logged 50 appearances, registering 20 goal contributions, including a brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. His performances have solidified his status as a key squad player for Real Madrid, despite recurring fitness concerns.
However, his season took a significant turn on Thursday when Real Madrid announced Güler had suffered a serious hamstring injury. While the club has not provided a specific timeline for his return, multiple reports indicate the injury is severe enough to effectively end his 2024/25 campaign.
Sahin did not disclose the specific reasons why the loan move ultimately fell through, only confirming that despite his efforts and Güler’s initial enthusiasm, the transfer did not materialize. Dortmund remained unable to overcome the competition from Real Madrid, who were keen to retain the promising Turkish talent.
The failed pursuit reflects broader challenges Bundesliga clubs face when competing for elite young players against Spain’s financial and sporting giants. Even with Dortmund’s strong reputation for developing talent, the allure of training alongside established stars at Real Madrid often proves decisive for players like Güler.
As of Saturday, April 25, 2026, Güler remains sidelined with his hamstring issue, while Dortmund continue to evaluate their attacking options under current head coach Edin Terzić. The club’s next Bundesliga match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon against VfL Wolfsburg, kicking off at 15:30 CET (14:30 UTC).
For ongoing updates on player recoveries, transfer developments, and Bundesliga action, fans are encouraged to follow official club channels and trusted sports news outlets.
