Manchester City have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez ahead of the January transfer window.
Girona have shocked the footballing world during the course of this La Liga season and currently sit top of the table with footballing superpower Real Madrid trailing them by two points. One of the integral parts of the Michel-managed side’s roaring start to the season has been the emergence of Miguel Gutierrez, whose impressive performances have not gone unnoticed.
According to Spanish newspaper SPORT (h/t Sport Bild), Manchester City are closely monitoring the performances of Miguel Gutierrez, but they could face competition from Arsenal and Real Madrid for his signature.
The Spaniard, 22, spent 11 years at Real Madrid and made just 10 senior appearances before joining Girona in the summer of 2022, with Los Blancos holding 50% of his rights as well as first refusal. He signed a contract with Girona until June 2027 but has a release clause of €35million, the report adds.
Miguel Gutierrez to Manchester City—Right option for the club?
After allowing Joao Cancelo to join Barcelona on loan in the summer, Manchester City splashed big money to recruit Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Primarily a centre-back, Gvardiol has competed with Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez at left-back so far this season.
The Cityzens, who have not enjoyed a great start to the 2023/24 season and lie fourth in the table, may look to take a dip in the transfer market for reinforcements. Given they brought in the versatile and highly-rated Gvardiol just six months before, a left-back is unlikely to be on Pep Guardiola’s agenda. However, things could be different next summer, with the Spanish tactician understood to be keeping tabs on Miguel Gutierrez.
Gutierrez enjoyed his breakout La Liga campaign last term, racking up 34 appearances for Girona. He largely played as a left-back, scoring twice and assisting four times during the season. The 22-year-old has started 15 top-flight games this season, registering a goal and an assist. The Spanish speedster scored his first goal of the campaign in Girona’s impressive 4-2 win over reigning champions Barcelona last weekend.
The left-back has caught the eye with his speed, tenacity, technical skills and attacking flair down Girona’s left flank. Due to his technical ability on the ball and high work rate, Gutierrez would be a good fit for Guardiola’s City.
The Treble winners may have an advantage in their pursuit of Miguel Gutierrez as Girona are backed by the City Football Group, with Guardiola’s brother Pere—who also happens to be the Spanish club’s chairman—holding a huge stake. So, the relationship can help the negotiations between the two clubs regarding a potential transfer of the 22-year-old.
However, with Girona performing extremely well and eyeing a spot in the Champions League, any move for Miguel Gutierrez will have to wait until next summer.
