Manchester United are reportedly interested in high-flying Girona defender, Miguel Gutierrez, but they are expected to face tough competition from Real Madrid, reported The Sun on Friday.
Gutierrez, 22, is a regular part of Girona’s playing XI and is considered one of Michel Sanchez’s most trusted troops as the left-back has played 18 out of a total of 19 matches in La Liga so far.
Man United had to let go of left-back Sergio Reguilon, who went back to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur and the Manchester club wants to find a replacement quickly.
Gutierrez’s contract with Girona ends in 2027 and the possibility of the club selling one of their most important players is nonexistent but according to The Sun, the Catalan club may be forced to sell the 22-year-old for a £22m or higher bid.
Even if that happens, Man United are likely to face tough competition from Real Madrid as Gutierrez is a product of Los Blancos’ academy, La Fabrica, and the club still own 50% rights of the player and can bring him back for just €8m, unlike other clubs who would have to pay release clause worth €40m.
The Whites may need a new left-back in the summer as one of their full-backs, Ferland, Mendy gets injured very often and although he is trusted completely by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who renewed with the club till 2026 recently, the injury concerns on the French defender have forced the club to think of some reinforcements in the summer.
According to the report, Madrid “could either buy Gutierrez back to sell at a profit or easily bring him back into the fold of their own team if they were to match United’s bid”.
It is worth mentioning that Real Madrid and Girona are going head-to-head for the La Liga title this season as both teams have 48 points each but Los Blancos sit on top due to a better goal difference.
