Florentino Perez Admits Arda Guler Mistake as Real Madrid Plan Summer Transfers

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez acknowledges it was premature to give Arda Guler such an important role in the team. 

Perez wants to rectify his mistake by signing a midfielder capable of dictating the tempo of the game.

Florentino Perez Backed Arda Guler to Replace Luka Modric

Real Madrid legend Luka Modric left the club as a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season. The Croatian midfielder reportedly wanted a one-year contract extension and was even prepared to take a pay cut.

However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez did not want to give the 40-year-old a new contract. Perez believed Los Blancos already had Modric’s replacement in Arda Guler.

Guler enjoyed more prominence under Xabi Alonso and initially delivered, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 11 LaLiga games. However, he has since hit a snag, with him registering only two assists in the last game matches.

JUST IN: Rúben Neves would LOVE to join Real Madrid in January, he was offered to the club.

The technical directors see him as a good fit, but Florentino Pérez is NOT in favor. @carrusel pic.twitter.com/uSeSnktOiA

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 19, 2026

Real Madrid lack a controller in midfield, and as a result, have been ineffective against higher-quality opponents.

Perez’s Authority Under Fire

Ramon Calderon has questioned Perez’s complete control over Real Madrid, suggesting that he appoint an expert to make executive sporting decisions.

Last weekend, the Santiago Bernabeu faithful also expressed their discontent with the president.

In Real Madrid’s first home game since sacking Alonso, fans booed some players and Perez, with some resorting to panolada, waving white handkerchiefs to express deep dissatisfaction.

Real Madrid Preparing Midfield Appointment in the Summer

Perez has not responded to Calderon’s comments, but he is seemingly prepared to fix the Guler situation by signing a midfielder in the summer window.

According to journalist Jorge Picon, Perez wants to sign a player who can fill Modric’s shoes and give Madrid some bite in midfield.

https://twitter.com/RisingStarXI/status/2011721265439035819

Picon said (via Defensa Central):

“There’s been a lot of talk about Zubimendi, a profile that isn’t what he’s looking for. What Real Madrid wants is a creative midfielder, a Pablo Barrios or Vitinha type… a player who is the new Modric.

“A player capable of playing between the lines and bringing some order to Real Madrid’s play.”

AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid. Smit wants to be Alkmaar’s most expensive departure and is looking forward to a new challenge in the summer.

Real Madrid, alongside Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, are interested in signing the player. An offer in the region of €30 million could be enough to sign the player.