From Spain: Manchester City monitoring Girona left-back Miguel Gutiérrez

Premier League champions Manchester City are monitoring the performances of their sister club’s star left-back Miguel Gutiérrez, according to reports from Spain.

Girona currently lead the La Liga table by two points courtesy of an impressive 2-4 away victory over title rivals FC Barcelona earlier this week, moving seven points clear of their opposition on the night as well as Atletico Madrid.

One of the star performers on the night was Girona’s left-back Miguel Gutierrez, who offered a goal alongside a staggering 98% pass accuracy, three successful dribbles, and three ground duels won across the 90 minutes.

As such, it comes as no surprise to see several of Europe’s biggest hitters gunning for his signature with the January and summer transfer windows of 2024 fast approaching, and early negotiations and contacts taking place.

Among those reportedly interested are fellow City Football Group side Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola and his staff keeping a close eye on the club through close connections and loan star Yan Couto performing for the La Liga table toppers.

That is according to the information of journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascual, who states that Manchester City are currently monitoring the performances and ongoing development of 22-year-old Girona left-back Miguel Gutiérrez.

Given the player’s star performances in La Liga so far this season, it is unsurprising to also learn that last season’s Treble winners are far from alone in showing interest in the player’s continuous rise in the game.

Javier Rodríguez Pascual report further reveals that Bayern Munich are also following the player, Arsenal hold an interest, whilst Real Madrid are not ruling out the possibility of a return to the club – despite the focus being on Alphonso Davies for 2024 – after the player brought an end to his 11-year stay in the Spanish capital in 2022.

Real Madrid have the upper hand at present for the player, due to the favourable terms included during negotiations over the sale of Gutierrez one year ago. A €5 million deal was agreed for just 50% of the player’s rights, with Los Blancos reportedly retaining a buy-back clause of just €8 million for the summer of 2024.

For Girona, they hold a €35 million release clause over the player for other clubs, with the defender currently contracted to the City Football Group side until the summer of 2027.

Whether or not Manchester City firm up their early interest in the player remains to be seen, with left-back currently occupied by the likes of Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

City transfer bosses may however deem it necessary to recruit a more natural option in the position, to add more variety to Guardiola’s squad depth, and also the fantastic financial opportunity to sign such a talent for a relatively modest release clause.