Did The Reds Missed Out On Opportunity to Acquire Guehi?
Marc Guehi led Crystal Palace when they claimed victory in the season's curtain-raiser against the Merseyside club in the summer.
In just over a month, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will be able to join a club abroad when his contract expires on the summer.
The 25-year-old can sign a preliminary deal with a team overseas when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January 2026.
The Anfield club missed the opportunity to buy the Three Lions defender for £35m in the summer. The prolonged negotiations, which dragged on throughout the transfer period, concluded when Palace were unable to sign a suitable replacement.
It meant the Selhurst Park side forgoing a sizable sum for the player with only one year remaining on his agreement, but kept their key player after parting with another star to Arsenal a short time before.
The club are still keen to revive their pursuit, though there are no guarantees the move will happen.
The centre-back now has alternatives and it is understood top clubs in the continent have already registered an intention.
The player, though, is not the sole prominent defender who might be available on a free deal next summer.
The Merseysiders' own Ibrahima Konate has also been connected with a switch to Real Madrid at the end of his current deal, potentially following in the footsteps of former defensive partner the right-back.
However, rumors on Friday morning indicated Real Madrid have ended their reported pursuit, with no concrete interest evident.
His uncertain future has been widely cited as a reason for his dip in performance.
Real Madrid could lose players the German, in his thirties, and the Austrian, also in his thirties, this transfer window with both about to begin the last stretch of their agreements.
It leaves Guehi and the Frenchman as possibilities if they are to enter the free market to reinforce at defense - a strategy they have used repeatedly in recent seasons.
The Defender Fits The Club's Model
Real Madrid do hold an interest in Marc Guehi and he fits a clear team requirement at the back.
Dean Huijsen has stepped up as a regular, but the Brazilian and Antonio Rudiger have both had fitness concerns. Rudiger is now in his 30s, another option has not completely impressed and the veteran has slowed down after a long spell on the sidelines.
Guehi, a proven Premier League player with personality, speed and plenty of good decisions, is seen as the kind of calming influence who can compete straight away for minutes.
His case fits alongside the club's broader market strategy: three kinds of deals. First, the young talent who can grow into a superstar. Next, the 'free' but established individual, where substantial bonuses replace transfer costs.
And third, the big-fee signing reserved for specific players viewed as immediate first-teamers.
