Real Madrid News
Real Madrid left-back close to joining La Liga minnows this summer
A managerial change often brings with it a new ideology to the team and a new role for several players. While some rise to stardom in the new system, others fade away into the darkness.
Miguel Gutierrez faced the latter situation and can blame the managerial change at Real Madrid for his slow but sure exclusion from the first team.
According to reports from Jorge C Picon, Real Madrid and Girona are in advanced negotiations over Gutierrez. The operation will be closed in the coming hours.
The 21-year-old Castilla left-back made six league appearances for Los Blancos under Zinedine Zidane in 2020-21. Just as he seemed set to burst into the limelight, Carlo Ancelotti was appointed head coach and the tables turned.
Last season, he only made four appearances for the first team with his last game close to a year ago.
The new manager has preferred Ferland Mendy at left-back with even the experienced Marcelo finding himself on the bench last season. Now, David Alaba is an added competitor and Miguel is seen as surplus.
Girona belong to the City football group and have had the youngster on their tabs for a long time now. While his move to the newly promoted side will be permanent, Los Blancos will reserve a buy-back clause.
Moreover, it is said that the club will retain 50% of the player’s rights after the operation. The goal is to help Miguel develop outside the Bernabeu and bring him back after he has garnered experience.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
