Have Liverpool Missed Out on Signing Marc Guehi?

Have Liverpool Missed Out on Signing Marc Guehi?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi appears to have hit a crucial roadblock, as the England international nears the final six months of his contract and becomes eligible for a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January 2026.

Summer Deal Collapsed — Palace Refused to Sell

Liverpool’s £35m move for Guehi was on the table throughout the 2025 summer transfer window. But the transfer collapsed on deadline day as Palace, reeling from the loss of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, refused to sanction another key exit without finding a replacement.

Manager Oliver Glasner made the final call, prioritising squad stability over short-term financial gain.

Now, with Guehi’s contract expiring on 30 June 2026, the 25-year-old defender is on the verge of a free transfer — a scenario that could see Palace lose a valuable asset for nothing.

Liverpool Still Interested — But So Are Others

Liverpool remain keen to reignite talks for the composed centre-back, but their previous hesitation may cost them. Top European clubs have already begun sounding out Guehi’s representatives, and there is no guarantee Anfield will be his next destination.

One key complication for Liverpool is the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, whose form has dipped amid transfer rumours linking him with Real Madrid.

However, BBC Sport reports suggest Madrid have cooled their interest in Konaté — possibly shifting their focus directly onto Guehi.

Real Madrid’s Defence Rebuild – Guehi a Perfect Fit?

With Antonio Rudiger (32) and David Alaba (33) nearing the end of their deals and both plagued by injuries, Real Madrid are preparing for a defensive overhaul.

Marc Guehi is viewed by the Madrid hierarchy as a low-cost, high-impact target:

• ✔️ Proven in the Premier League

• ✔️ Agile, intelligent, and comfortable in possession

• ✔️ Leadership qualities as Palace captain

• ✔️ Fits Madrid’s “free transfer + signing-on bonus” strategy

💬 Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy includes three types of players:

1. Young future stars

2. Free agents with top-tier pedigree (like Guehi)

3. Big-money instant starters (rare cases)

Guehi fits category #2 — and could join names like David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, who both arrived at the Bernabéu on free transfers.

Will Liverpool Regret Missing the Summer Move?

Liverpool’s defence has looked shaky, and the future of Konaté, Joe Gomez, and Virgil van Dijk remains unclear. The failure to sign Guehi last summer — when they had a clear opportunity — might go down as a costly misstep if Madrid or another European powerhouse secures the player in 2026.

If Real Madrid move quickly in January, Liverpool could lose a prime defensive target — not just for a fee, but entirely out of reach.