Liverpool Eyeing Swoop For This La Liga Ace As An Alternate Left-back Target: Smart From The Merseysiders? | OneFootball

If a report from the Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Liverpool have identified Miguel Gutiérrez as a potential target for the summer. The Girona left-back has showcased sheer consistency since leaving Real Madrid in 2022, and his emergence in La Liga has also caught the eyes of fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City along with the Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.

The 23-year-old former Spanish youth international progressed through Getafe and Real Madrid’s academy ranks before breaking into the latter’s Castilla squad in 2020. He made 10 senior appearances with Los Blancos, but the Catalonia outfit eventually snapped him up for €4m on a five-year contract.

Meanwhile, the Madrid giants retained 50% of his rights and inserted a sell-on clause while striking a deal with Girona. Gutiérrez earned an instant first-team status and has already appeared more than 100 times across competitions. He was pivotal to their fairy-tale third-place league finish in the 2023-24 season, and his impressive Champions League run grabbed the attention of the European hotshots despite Blanquivermells’ disappointing display with just one win in 8 group phase encounters. The victory was against Slovan Bratislava, where the Spaniard broke the deadlock late in the first half.

Why Liverpool Must Step Up The Chase For Gutiérrez

Liverpool stayed quiet during the winter window even though they faced issues defensively, particularly down the left-hand side. Andrew Robertson has been a shadow of his earlier self. Also, Kostas Tsimikas could not cement a regular status due to form and fitness reasons. Academy duo Owen Beck and Calum Scanlon, out on loan in the Championship, are not ready yet to step in and deliver in the Premier League.

GIRONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Miguel Gutierrez of Girona FC celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Girona FC and SK Slovan Bratislava at Montilivi Stadium on October 22, 2024 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Reds have been linked with Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth left fullback, who was recruited by Richard Hughes while in charge as the Cherries’ Technical Director. He joined Liverpool last summer as their sporting director and, therefore, could return for the young Hungarian who is flying high in Dorset.

Having said that, the Merseysiders have always been smart and opportunistic in the transfer market. Gutiérrez falls in the perfect age bracket, as well as valuation, given his €30m release clause. The balance he offers in defence and attack would see the Reds have a player similar to Kerkez’s profile for half the price.

Why They Have An Edge Over The Other Suitors

However, they must fend off interest from their fellow suitors. Bayern might not come back after tying Alphonso Davies to a new long-term contract. Man City have ample options down the left, with Joško Gvardiol being challenged and covered by Nathan Ake. The Gunners roped in Riccardo Calafiori last summer, and the rise of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has minimized the necessity of strengthening further.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid have a clear advantage over the others, considering the conditions set during his egress. They have a buyback option for a minuscule €9m fee, and the 2024 Summer Olympics gold medal winner could replace the struggling Ferland Mendy. But they have not shown any interest in their former academy prodigy, thus leaving the Reds in a favourable position in the transfer hunt.