Most known for his passing ability and composure on the ball, Arda Turan is a force to reckon with in the midfield, and he is now taking his trade to Barcelona. That’s right, Turan is skipping town in Madrid for a spot in Barcelona’s world renowned midfield.
In a deal said to be worth around €34 million with another €7 million in variables, Turan looks to bring a more aggressive attacking style to an already amazing midfield.
With Xavi leaving at the end of last season and Iniesta getting up there in age, Barcelona have to look ahead and plan accordingly for the future. Pogba and Turan were at the top of the list. With the latter already agreeing to join and some youngsters coming out of La Masia, the Catalan giants are on course to secure an amazing midfield for years to come.
The Turkish international has had quite the career on both International and club level, having won the league, league cup and league super cup with Turkish side Galatasaray as well as the league, league cup and league super cup with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. On top of that he has also won the UEFA Europa League in 2009/2010, and Super Cup in 2010 and 2012. He has also reached the final of the Champions League in the 2013/2014 season. Since his debut in 2006, Turan has helped Turkey qualify for important International competitions such as the 2008 European Championships, in which Turkey was knocked out in the semifinals by current World Champions Germany. In all Turan has scored 14 goals in 81 games for his National Team and 69 goals in 390 games at club level, though not at the level of Messi and Ronaldo, his stats could very well improve at Barcelona.
We can see that Turan is an amazing team player, and that he gives his all when he is on the field until the final whistle blows. On an individual level, Turan has won “player (football) of the year’ by Turkish newspaper Milliyet in 2008, 2009 and 2014 as well as “Athlete of the Year” in 2013. January 2010 came with quite the honor as Turan was named 3rd most popular player in Europe and 14th most popular worldwide by IFFHS
Now the confusing part comes into play. Turan cannot legitimately be a Barcelona player till their transfer ban is lifted in January. As far as his footballing goes, there are rumors that he could go on loan to his original club Galatasaray till the ban is lifted.
One of the most consistent and hardworking midfielders Europe has ever seen, Turan can bring class and brilliance, as well as a new aspect of attack and playing style, to Barcelona’s respected midfield. It’s clear to see that Barcelona are keen to retain all the titles they won last season and are tipped to do so with this amazing signing.
You can catch highlights of Arda Turan’s 14/15 season here, as La Liga won’t let us embed footage of their league.
