Liverpool could find the path to Miguel Gutierrez blocked in the summer by Real Madrid. The Girona defender has already indicated though that he is not eyeing up a return to the Bernabeu.

According to David Lynch, Gutierrez is being looked at by Liverpool as it eyes up a new left-back in the summer transfer window. Should the Reds wish to act on their interest, the defender has a release clause in his contract widely reported to be around $36m (£29m/€35m).

It’s a move that would potentially get the backing of Arne Slot, with the Liverpool boss having already admitted to Gutierrez catching his eye. The Reds might not be the only side interested though, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich having been linked last summer.

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There is an even bigger threat though, and one Liverpool knows only too well about. Having already had to fend off attempts from Real to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, and still facing a battle for the right-back’s future, the Spanish giant could also ruin the Reds’ hopes of signing Gutierrez.

Having made the move to Girona from the Bernabeu in 2022, Los Blancos still have a $9.3m (£7.5m/€9m) buyback clause on Gutierrez. Given a move for Alphonso Davies is looking out of the question now that the Canadian has signed a new deal at Bayern, a reunion with the 23-year-old might have just become a more attractive option for Real.

Gutierrez though has already spoken about the possibility of returning to the Spanish capital. In an interview with Marca in November 2023, the Olympic gold medalist indicated that he hasn’t thought about a move back to Madrid yet.

“I don’t like to talk about the future since in football there are no plans,” Gutierrez said. “I focus on the day to day, I am happy at Girona, the group is spectacular and I only think about working with this team, having a great year and we have a good squad to achieve it.”

On his move to Girona, Gutierrez added: “It couldn’t have turned out better, I have landed on my feet in a place where the team has supported me, a coaching staff that understands my characteristics and style of play, and I try to give them that. It is impossible to regret it and it couldn’t have turned out better.”

Liverpool.com says: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Gutierrez still harbors some ambitions of returning to Real, but if the opportunity is there for Liverpool to sign him in the summer, it’s a move the Reds should absolutely be considering.