For weeks, Real Madrid had been closely watching the negotiations between Girona and Napoli. Miguel Gutiérrez, a homegrown player from Madrid, was very close to making the leap to Serie A.
Everything indicated that Napoli would pay the €35 million ($35 million) release clause. This amount was exciting for Florentino Pérez's club. Why? Because Madrid keeps 50% of the player's rights.
The calculation was simple: €17.5 million ($17.5 million) straight into Madrid's coffers, without lifting a finger. It was a great deal. However, nothing went as expected.
Carreras's signing changes everything
The twist came from within. The Madrid club made a key decision: to bet on Álvaro Carreras, a left-back also trained at Valdebebas, who returns to Bernabéu after his time at Benfica.
The signing wasn't cheap. Madrid has paid €50 million ($50 million) for his release clause. But the most relevant thing is what it represents: it closes the door to any return for Miguel.
Miguel Gutiérrez still had options to return. The club could buy him back for €9 million ($9 million) until 2026. However, with Carreras on the team, and Fran García and Mendy still present, there's no room for him.
Napoli pushes and pays less
Napoli knew it. Without pressure from Madrid to buy back Miguel, the cards changed. It was no longer urgent to pay €35 million ($35 million).
Finally, the deal was closed at €18 million ($18 million), according to Italian sources. Real Madrid will only receive half: €9 million ($9 million). This is an unexpected blow for a club that's balancing its spending after a very active summer in signings.
For Girona, it's a good deal. For Napoli, it's a bargain. For Miguel, it's a step forward. For Madrid... a financial blow.
Miguel flies high, but far away
Miguel Gutiérrez has been one of the best left-backs in LaLiga. In three seasons at Girona, he has played more than 100 matches, has shined in attack, and has shown he's ready for bigger challenges.
Now he'll play in the Champions League with Napoli and will be under Antonio Conte's orders. He has signed until 2030 and will have a salary of €2.3 million ($2.3 million) per year. Well deserved.
However, his story with Madrid seems to have ended. There's no room left for him. Besides closing the sporting door, that has limited the income the Madrid club could make from his sale.