Real Madrid has final say on Girona’s Miguel Gutiérrez

Last season, Miguel Gutiérrez emerged as a top-level footballer with Girona in Spain’s LaLiga, and this campaign he has become one of the best, if not the best, left-backs in the league. A force of offensive football for a fullback, the 22-year-old appears to have fully blossomed, amplified by the media attention following his latest spectacular goal against Barcelona at Montjuïc on Sunday. Real Madrid, the club that nurtured the capital-born fullback in La Fábrica, is watching with interest as he displays his skills with the now league leaders. The future of Gutiérrez, who has been on the radar of major clubs for the past two summers, however, now rests in the higher echelons of the Santiago Bernabéu.

Girona star Gutiérrez on Madrid’s radar for a fifth

It was one of the conditions set by José Ángel Sánchez when the green light was given for his transfer in the summer market of 2022. The player would choose his destination, but Real Madrid would retain absolute control.

Madrid persisted and finally got their way. Just as with Fran García before, they only sold 50 percent of Gutiérrez’s playing rights for an amount between €4-€5 million ($4.3m-$5.4m), and retained an easily affordable buy-back option. For Los Blancos, reacquiring Miguel would only cost €8 million (c.$8.6m).

For the rest of the world, his release clause is five times higher. If any club wishes to activate it, Madrid must be notified, and if they decide not to reclaim the player, they would receive half of that release clause. Potentially some very sensible business.

Miguel signed with Girona until 2027, thanks to the insistence of manager Michel, who had been following him for several years. The coach outlined the plan he had in mind to enhance Miguel’s transition to the top tier and to utilize his unique attacking skills. Miguel has taken diligent note of his teachings and is a perfectionist, eagerly refining the details for improvement conveyed by his close-knit team.

Madrid’s left back is open

Real Madrid accepted the sale to Girona, a part of the City Group, even if it meant bringing him closer to Manchester City because reacquiring him would also be financially and contractually straightforward. At the moment, the nailed-down left-back position in the first-team squad for Carlo Ancelotti remains vacant. The club aims to generate funds with the potential sale of Mendy, and Fran García has not completely convinced the manager thus far.

Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and the Spanish giants are showing mutual interest, but if the club decides, it might not be the only option for that position.