Real Madrid News
Barcelona legend hails Real Madrid star as the best midfielder in the world
Brazilian attacker Neymar has irked Barcelona fans recently with a controversial statement about one of Real Madrid’s star players.
The former Barça frontman, who is looking to get back to full fitness in an attempt to get into the Brazilian squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was recently asked about Arda Guler
What Neymar said about Guler and the aftermath
As reported by SPORT, Neymar did not hold back praise when talking about the Turkish international, who has established himself as a key player under Xabi Alonso.
“Arda is an incredible player with so much quality,” said Neymar, who went on to label him as the best midfielder in the world.
“He’s the best midfielder in the world,” added the Brazilian, much to the frustration of the Barcelona fans.
The report points out how Barcelona fans are not too happy with Neymar and are still wondering how the Brazilian easily forgot about Pedri.
Neymar’s statement has generated a lot of buzz in the footballing media in general as well, as Guler is not usually regarded by many as the best midfielder in the world.
Although the Turkish international is currently one of the most talented players in La Liga, he has yet to even establish himself as a regular starter for Real Madrid.
But the player is enjoying his best season at the Santiago Bernabeu so far, racking up over 1,600 minutes of action while being involved in 11 goals.
His performances have led to overtures from other clubs, though Real Madrid have recently rejected a €65 million offer for the Turkish international.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
