Nuri Sahin Tried to Bring Real Madrid Star Arda Güler to Borussia Dortmund

Nuri Sahin’s Ambitious Plan: Güler to Borussia Dortmund

Nuri Sahin, during his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, made headlines by revealing he attempted to sign Real Madrid sensation Arda Güler on loan for the 2024/25 season. Speaking on the “KAFA Sports” YouTube channel, the former BVB coach disclosed, “I was desperate to bring Arda to Dortmund.” Güler, however, made it clear to Sahin at the time, “Coach, I’m going to grab that shirt, no matter what happens.” In the end, the loan move did not materialize, although Sahin chose not to elaborate on the specific reasons behind its collapse.

Arda Güler’s Rise at Real Madrid

Despite being limited to twelve appearances last season due to a persistent muscle injury, Arda Güler managed to establish himself as a pivotal squad member at Real Madrid. Remarkably, he contributed 14 goals in 43 competitive matches, most often coming off the bench. Under new Club World Cup coach Xabi Alonso, Güler broke into the starting lineup and continued to impress when Álvaro Arbeloa took charge. In the current season, Güler has already racked up 50 appearances and 20 goal contributions, including a memorable brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Setback for Güler: Injury Threatens Season and World Cup Hopes

However, Güler’s momentum was halted by a significant hamstring injury, as announced by Real Madrid on Thursday. While the club has not confirmed the length of his absence, it is likely the Turkish international will miss the remainder of the season and could be in doubt for the upcoming World Cup. This setback is disappointing, given his stellar role in Turkey’s successful World Cup qualification campaign—their first since 2002—where Güler tallied four assists and a goal.

Borussia Dortmund’s Transfer Rumours and Youth Focus

While Sahin’s ambitious move for Güler didn’t happen, Borussia Dortmund remains active in the transfer market. The club is reportedly considering loaning out 21-year-old centre-back Filippo Mane next season for regular first-team football, with Serie A clubs showing interest. Mane, who debuted for Dortmund’s first team this season, has struggled with injuries but is still regarded as a promising prospect, under contract until 2028.

In addition, BVB is close to retaining two emerging talents. Elias Benkara, 18, is set to extend his contract until 2029 despite attracting attention from European clubs like Feyenoord, Anderlecht, and Eintracht Frankfurt. Benkara has already been named in Niko Kovac’s matchday squad and is expected to have a bright future at the club. Discussions are also underway to keep Ukrainian talent Danylo Krevsun, a regular for the reserve side and a recent first-team call-up.

Marwin Hitz Announces Retirement

Veteran goalkeeper Marwin Hitz will retire at the end of the season, as confirmed by FC Basel in an official statement. Hitz’s Bundesliga career included stints at VfL Wolfsburg, FC Augsburg, and Borussia Dortmund, where he lifted the DFB-Pokal in 2021. He also achieved a domestic double with Basel last year and earned two senior caps for Switzerland. Notably, Hitz scored a dramatic equalizer as a goalkeeper for Augsburg in 2015, earning the Goal of the Month in Germany.

Borussia Dortmund Fixtures: What’s Next?

The season continues for Borussia Dortmund with key matches ahead:

• 26 April, 5:30 pm: BVB vs. Freiburg
• 3 May, 17:30 CET: Mönchengladbach v BVB
• 8 May, 8:30 pm: BVB v Frankfurt

Fans will be eager to see how BVB finishes their campaign and whether their youthful talents can make an impact in the run-in.

Opinion: Sahin’s Ambition Signals BVB’s Growing Ambition

Sahin’s attempt to lure a top talent like Arda Güler to Borussia Dortmund shows the club’s commitment to competing at the highest level. Although the transfer did not come to fruition, it reflects BVB’s ambition to attract world-class players and nurture young prospects for the future. Real Madrid’s retention of Güler has paid off on the field, but Dortmund’s ongoing focus on youth development and smart transfers ensures they remain a force in European football. For more news and updates on Borussia Dortmund and global football, visit for more news.