In a surprising twist to the transfer saga, Manchester City has reportedly thrown its hat into the ring, rivaling Real Madrid in the pursuit of Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez.
The 22-year-old, who spent 11 years in the Real Madrid youth system before joining Girona in the summer of 2022, has captured the attention of top football clubs with his standout performances.
Despite making only 10 senior appearances during his time with Real Madrid, Gutierrez has blossomed at Girona.
In his debut season with the club in 2022-23, he made 34 La Liga appearances, and this term, he has already started 15 top-flight games.
Girona, surprisingly leading the La Liga table by two points, benefits from Gutierrez’s defensive prowess and his recent goal-scoring heroics in a 4-2 victory against Barcelona.
Under contract at Estadi Montilivi until June 2027, Gutierrez possesses a €35 million (£30 million) release clause, with Real Madrid retaining 50% of his rights and a sell-on clause.
Despite closely monitoring his progress, Real Madrid, according to Sport, is not considering an immediate move for the left-back, redirecting their focus towards Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies for a potential summer transfer.
Enter Manchester City, emerging as a formidable contender in the race for Gutierrez’s signature.
The Citizens, keen on securing the services of the highly-rated defender, may hold an advantage in their pursuit. Manchester City, along with sister club Girona, is a member of the City Football Group, which owns 47% of the Spanish side.
The intricate relationships within the footballing landscape add an intriguing layer to the potential transfer. Girona’s chairman, Pere Guardiola, is the brother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Whether this familial connection facilitates negotiations between the two clubs remains uncertain, but it adds a fascinating dynamic to the unfolding transfer drama.
Manchester City, having allowed Joao Cancelo to join Barcelona on loan in the summer, made a significant defensive acquisition with the recruitment of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
Gvardiol has been in competition with Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez for starts at left-back in Guardiola’s side this season.
Beyond defensive considerations, Manchester City is rumored to be in the market for a new midfielder in January, contingent on the potential departure of Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips, seeking regular first-team football, is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium, prompting City to explore midfield options.
As the transfer window approaches, the dual interest of Manchester City and Real Madrid in Miguel Gutierrez sets the stage for a riveting battle.
The outcome will not only shape the defensive dynamics of these football powerhouses but also add another chapter to the evolving narrative of player transfers in the world of football.
