Ancelotti likes La Liga defender who Real Madrid can sign for €8 million in the summer
Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez is no stranger to Real Madrid.
Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez is no stranger to Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old defender joined the Merengues’ youth system in 2011 and while he did make 10 appearances for the senior team during his stay, he decided to move to Girona in August 2022.
The young left-back is now preparing to play against his childhood team in a situation that is extremely vague. For once, he will be fighting Carlo Ancelotti for the La Liga title and second, his appearance at Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be his latest audition for Real Madrid.
Gutierrez has been playing really well this season, but it’s not a surprise for many in Madrid. Fast forward to the date and the 22-year-old now appears to be on Real Madrid’s agenda as they look for a life beyond Ferland Mendy for the left-back spot.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti has always defended Mendy in his press conference, but it goes without saying that the management does not rate him highly.
The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire in 2025 and the team is not willing to extend his stay, meaning that they would want him to find a way out in the summer. As for Fran Garcia, he hasn’t made a case for himself as well, forcing Real Madrid to look for alternatives.
It is learned that Gutierrez is in a situation at Girona that is similar to what Garcia experienced at Rayo Vallecano. While his release clause is €35 million for others, Real Madrid only need to pay €8 million this summer.
As a result of Gutierrez’s development, a report from The Athletic has affirmed that Ancelotti really likes Gutierrez and he would be happy if the club decides to bring him back.
He and his coaching team think Gutierrez is great at finding open areas in the attack, however, they know that Real Madrid’s current players Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham also prefer playing in those same spots.
The manager thinks that Gutierrez performs better in Girona’s tactical setup, where he plays like a winger alongside three centre-backs.
On the other hand, playing as a standard left-back for Madrid would pose additional challenges for him which is why the upcoming home game against Girona is likely to produce more clarity.
Either way, Gutierrez’s return is being considered at Real Madrid, who can re-sign him for €8 million this year. That fee will rise to €9 million and €10 million in the summers of 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The left-back, for his part, is attracting interest from top clubs in Europe but wants a return to the Bernabeu. But with Real Madrid also pursuing Alphonso Davies, it remains to be seen how things work out.