The race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has taken a major turn, with only two clubs left in contention for his signature.
The England international was heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park during the summer, and a transfer to Liverpool on deadline day appeared almost certain after the two clubs reportedly agreed on a £35 million deal. Guehi had even been granted permission to undergo a medical.
However, despite a deal sheet being submitted to the Premier League to extend negotiations beyond the deadline, Crystal Palace ultimately pulled the plug as they failed to secure a suitable replacement before the window closed.
Guehi has since made it clear he does not intend to renew his contract, which expires next summer. As a result, he is expected to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2025–26 season and will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad once the January transfer window opens.
The 25-year-old has attracted serious attention from major European sides, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both in need of defensive reinforcements. However, according to AS, Real Madrid have now withdrawn from the race due to the high salary and signing-on fee demanded by the player’s camp.
With Los Blancos stepping aside, the battle to secure Guehi’s services now appears to be between Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Reports suggest that Liverpool remain strong favourites, viewing the Palace defender as a natural successor to Ibrahima Konaté, who could depart Anfield next summer when his own contract expires.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are shifting focus to alternative defensive targets, as both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger are expected to leave the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of the season
