Liverpool take on Girona in the UEFA Champions League as the early kick-off on Tuesday.
The Reds clash with the Spanish side at 17:45pm (GMT) as Arne Slot looks to extend his 100% record in the competition with Liverpool so far this season – a fine achievement seeing as the Dutchman also sits top of the Premier League.
Girona will pose a brand new threat to Liverpool – as the Reds have never played against the Spanish outfit in any competition over the years.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash – where Liverpool can confirm their place in the Round of 16 – Arne Slot pinpointed the efforts of a player the Reds are monitoring in Miguel Gutierrez.
Arne Slot admires how Miguel Gutierrez performs at Girona
TBR Football understand Liverpool are interested in Gutierrez as long-term replacements for Andy Robertson are examined.
The Spaniard – who Girona signed from Real Madrid for just £4.1m back in August 2022 – has been a significant player since his arrival, helping Michel’s side finish third in La Liga last season.
Slot claimed that he watched a lot of Girona during that thrilling 2023/24 campaign, and mentioned his admiration for how Gutierrez – who Tottenham also like – performs in his unique, inverted role from the left of defence.
The man from Bergentheim said: “I think their game model is what stands out, their idea about football. Last season I watched quite a lot of them, because I found it really interesting what he (Michel) did with the left full-back (Miguel Gutierrez).
“He’s still doing it this season as well, playing so inverted, having such a free role from that position – at that moment of time, you didn’t see that so often. That was interesting to see.”
Liverpool can sign Miguel Gutierrez for fixed fee
While TBR Football are aware Liverpool face competition for the 23-year-old in the form of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, there is a fixed fee for Slot to consider.
Miguel Gutierrez of Girona plays during the La Liga EA Sports match against Real Madrid at Montilivi in Girona, Spain, on December 7, 2024
Photo by Leonardo Gerzon/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Gutierrez has a £29m release written into his contract, and while Real Madrid hold a mere £6.6m buyback option, the Spanish giants seemingly have plans to bring Alphonso Davies to the Santiago Bernabeu, so there may not be space for him with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia already in Madrid.
That would open the door for Liverpool to explore a reasonably priced deal – even more so if the Girona defender stars in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.
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