Did The Reds Lost Out On Opportunity to Sign Guehi?
Marc Guehi led Crystal Palace when they claimed victory in the season's curtain-raiser against Liverpool in the summer.
Within over a month, Crystal Palace captain the defender will be able to complete a move a club abroad when his contract expires on the summer.
The defender can agree to a pre-contract agreement with a team overseas when the winter transfer window commences on 1 January 2026.
Liverpool passed up the opportunity to purchase the England centre-back for thirty-five million pounds in the off-season. The prolonged negotiations, which dragged on throughout the window, concluded when Palace were not in a position to sign a adequate alternative.
It resulted in the south London club missing out on a sizable sum for the player with only one year remaining on his contract, but retained their key player after parting with Eberechi Eze to Arsenal a week earlier.
Liverpool are still interested to renew their interest, though there are no guarantees the move will happen.
The centre-back now has other options and it is believed top clubs in Europe have already expressed an interest.
The player, though, is not the only prominent defender who might be on the market on a free transfer next the coming window.
The Merseysiders' own Ibrahima Konate has also been connected with a move to the Spanish giants at the end of his current deal, possibly following in the path of former defensive partner the right-back.
However, rumors on Friday morning indicated Real Madrid have halted their reported pursuit, with little firm intent evident.
His uncertain future has been widely cited as a reason for his poor form.
The Spanish club could lose players the German, 32, and David Alaba, 33, this summer with both about to begin the last stretch of their agreements.
It positions the Palace star and the Frenchman as possibilities if they are to enter the free market to strengthen at defense - a approach they have employed several times in recent seasons.
Guehi Fits The Club's Model
Real Madrid have an interest in Marc Guehi and he fits a clear squad need at centre-back.
Dean Huijsen has emerged as a starter, but Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have both had fitness concerns. He is now in his thirties, Raul Asencio has not completely impressed and the veteran has lost pace after a extended period on the sidelines.
The Crystal Palace man, a proven Premier League defender with character, speed and plenty of good decisions, is seen as the kind of stabilising presence who can compete immediately for playing time.
His case fits with the club's broader market strategy: multiple types of transfers. First, the promising player who can grow into a star. Next, the 'free' but proven player, where heavy bonuses substitute for transfer costs.
Finally, the high-cost acquisition set aside for particular players viewed as immediate first-teamers.
