Miguel Gutierrez reportedly rejected a lucrative Premier League contract to protect Real Madrid, hurting Girona.
While the anonymous English club offered Girona, where Gutierrez plays, €25 million, the decision highlights the player’s loyalty to his roots and has major consequences for Real Madrid and Girona.
Estadio Deportivo said the January offer was intriguing and may have affected Girona’s finances.
Girona is in a La Liga title chase with Real Madrid and has been doing well. Savinho’s move to Manchester City has shown Girona’s European potential, while Gutierrez is another promising prospect. While Pep Guardiola’s Man City have been connected, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal seem most interested in the young Madrid-born left-back.
The 22-year-old’s rejection of the Premier League deal benefits Real Madrid. Transferring Gutierrez to Girona for €5 million in summer 2022, the parent club kept 50% of his economic rights and included three buy-back options: €8 million in the next summer, €9 million in 2024, and €10 million in 2025.
If Gutierrez accepted the January offer, Los Blancos would have had to match it using their right of first refusal, paying €12.5 million for the midfielder. Gutierrez’s move shows loyalty to his previous club and protects Real Madrid from an expensive predicament.
Girona may not benefit from the ruling. While Gutierrez’s loyalty protects Real Madrid, Girona lose out on January earnings and the chance of a lucrative sale or season-long loan.
Gutierrez has a €35 million release clause, but if Real Madrid buys him for €8 million in the summer, they cannot trade him for more.
