Barcelona Step Up Marc Guehi Contact Amid Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid Interest

Barca Join Bayern in the Race for Crystal Palace Star

It’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer battles of 2025 — and at the heart of it all stands Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain, a composed yet commanding centre-back who has quietly become one of England’s most reliable defenders, is now the focus of a tug-of-war between some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are all reportedly circling, with the Catalan giants stepping up their approach in recent weeks. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have intensified contact with Guehi’s representatives after learning that Bayern Munich had already begun exploratory talks about a future move.

It’s not hard to see why. At 25, Guehi has the perfect mix of experience, maturity, and potential. His deal at Selhurst Park runs until 2026, but with Palace’s struggles to tie him down to fresh terms, the coming months could determine whether the England international stays in south London or makes the leap to a European powerhouse.

Bayern Lead, But Barca and Liverpool Close In

Max Eberl Bayern 2025 Guehi

Sky Sport Germany reports that Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has identified Guehi as a possible long-term replacement in case either Dayot Upamecano or Kim Min-jae leaves next summer. Bayern have quietly been laying the groundwork, and while they’re known for their methodical recruitment approach, they won’t be alone in this chase for long.

Barcelona, sensing the competition, have now accelerated their efforts. With Hansi Flick eager to solidify his defensive core following a shaky start to the season, Guehi’s name has climbed to the top of Deco’s shortlist.

Liverpool, too, remain in the picture — and for them, this is unfinished business. The Reds were agonisingly close to signing Guehi last summer. Reports claim that the player had even recorded a farewell video for Palace fans and had a private jet on standby for a flight to Merseyside before Palace pulled the plug at the last minute. The move fell apart only because Palace couldn’t secure a suitable replacement in time.

Real Madrid are the latest to join the race, viewing Guehi as part of their longer-term defensive succession plan as they begin preparing for life beyond David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.

The Price Tag and Palace’s Dilemma

Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26

Guehi’s current valuation stands around €45 million (£39m/$53m), though with his contract ticking down, Palace face an uncomfortable decision. They could choose to sell early in 2025 and cash in while they still can — or risk losing him for free when his deal expires in 2026.

From the club’s perspective, it’s an impossible situation. Guehi isn’t just one of Palace’s best players; he’s their captain, their defensive anchor, and arguably the face of their project under Oliver Glasner. But football’s economic realities are ruthless, and if the right offer comes in, the club may have no choice but to part ways.

Given the calibre of suitors, Palace can at least expect a competitive bidding war that could drive up the price. Bayern’s interest appears the most concrete, but Barcelona’s persistence and Liverpool’s prior groundwork mean this transfer saga is far from over.

From Chelsea Prospect to England Mainstay

Born in the Ivory Coast but raised in England, Marc Guehi’s football story has been one of steady progression rather than sudden explosion. He joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of seven and was long seen as one of their most promising youth defenders. But like many of his generation, Guehi’s path to the first team was blocked by the club’s star-studded roster.

A loan spell at Swansea City in 2020–21 proved pivotal. Under Steve Cooper, he flourished — leading the Swans to the Championship play-off final and showcasing the kind of composure and positional intelligence rarely seen in defenders his age. That form earned him a £20 million move to Crystal Palace in 2021, a transfer that has since looked like a bargain.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park, Guehi has made over 150 appearances and developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. His calmness under pressure, ability to play out from the back, and vocal leadership have made him indispensable for Palace — and increasingly attractive to Europe’s elite.

England Recognition and European Spotlight

Guehi’s steady rise hasn’t gone unnoticed on the international stage either. Now a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England setup, he has been capped 23 times and was a key figure in the Three Lions’ run to the Euro 2024 final. His composure in high-pressure moments and comfort on the ball stood out even among England’s more experienced defenders.

At 25, he’s entering his prime years — a fact not lost on clubs searching for reliability in defence. In a market often inflated by potential rather than proven consistency, Guehi offers both.

Why Guehi Fits Flick’s Barcelona Rebuild

For Hansi Flick, rebuilding Barcelona’s defensive unit is one of his biggest challenges. The departure of Iñigo Martínez and the inconsistency of other central defenders have left the team vulnerable at the back. Flick’s preference for a high defensive line and aggressive pressing demands defenders who are not only athletic but also tactically sharp — and Guehi ticks both boxes.

Although Barcelona initially prioritised a left-footed centre-back, sporting director Deco has reportedly shifted his focus to versatility and experience. Guehi’s right-footed balance, composure in tight spaces, and ability to break lines with his passing make him an appealing option for the Catalans.

Financially, he also fits the bill. With Barcelona still navigating strict La Liga spending limits, signing a player who could be available for a reduced fee in January or even on a free transfer in 2026 aligns perfectly with their evolving recruitment strategy.

The Looming Bidding War

The coming months could see one of the most intense transfer battles in recent memory. Bayern’s early interest gives them an edge, but Barcelona’s renewed contact — combined with Liverpool’s persistence and Real Madrid’s quiet monitoring — ensures this saga will stretch deep into 2025.

Palace, for their part, will hope Guehi’s professionalism continues to shine through. Despite last summer’s heartbreak, the defender has remained focused and continues to deliver high-level performances for the Eagles. But as the season wears on and the rumours grow louder, it may become increasingly difficult for the club to hold on.

What Happens Next

As things stand, all signs point to a showdown in the January window. If Palace sense that Guehi won’t renew his contract, they may reluctantly open the door to offers. Barca are eager, Bayern are calculating, Liverpool are persistent, and Madrid — as always — are watching from the shadows.

For Marc Guehi, it’s the kind of problem every footballer dreams of: being wanted by Europe’s best. Whether he chooses the allure of Camp Nou, the structure of Bayern, the familiarity of the Premier League with Liverpool, or the prestige of the Bernabéu, one thing’s clear — his next move will be the biggest of his career.

And for the clubs chasing him, securing his signature could define their defensive future for years to come.