Real Madrid News
Three teams eye €25 million-rated former Real Madrid defender who would fetch 50% transfer fee
Ferland Mendy’s contract renewal with Real Madrid appears to have closed the door on Miguel Gutierrez’s potential return to the club next summer. Gutierrez’s future largely depends on Real Madrid’s decisions.
When Gutierrez moved to Girona, Real Madrid kept 50% of his rights and a buy-back option for the summer of 2024. However, if Madrid decide not to exercise this option, they will still have a future option to buy him back in 2025 at a reduced fee of €6 million.
Despite the earlier reports that Real Madrid have no plans to use their buy-back clause for Gutierrez, they still hold 50% of his rights. This position could enable them to secure a significant transfer fee should Gutierrez move to another club.
Interest in Gutierrez is plenty
As it turns out, Gutierrez has emerged as one of the most coveted full-backs in European football. His impressive performances at Girona have attracted attention from several top clubs.
In fact, according to Fichajes, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich are closely watching the young left-back’s development. The outlet mentions that these teams may be preparing to make offers for the young defender in the upcoming transfer window.
The interest in Gutierrez extends beyond these major clubs. Teams like Bologna are also monitoring his situation closely.
Interestingly, his release clause, which ranges between €30 million and €35 million, could play a significant role in the negotiations. Real Madrid’s stake in the defender means they would receive 50% of any transfer fee if he moves to another team.
As of today, Gutierrez stands at a pivotal point in his career. He faces a choice between joining one of Europe’s top clubs or continuing to build his reputation with Girona.
His next move will not only determine his future but will also be financially beneficial for Real Madrid.
Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
