With Real Madrid in the market for a new centre-back for the summer of 2026, a number of players have been on the club’s radars as possible targets.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Bayern Munich mainstay Dayot Upamecano, and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, all of whom will be free agents in 2026, have emerged as targets for Los Blancos.
However, as per latest developments, one of the three names is no longer being considered by the Spanish capital club.
Guehi no longer an option
Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid are now out of the race for the signing of Crystal Palace and England centre-back Guehi, whose financial demands are seen as a major obstacle.
Seen as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, the 25-year-old star is now likely to remain in England and join one of the Big Six. In fact, Liverpool are considered the main favourites to secure his services.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
No longer an option for Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Guehi’s current contract at Selhurst Park expires in June 2026, and he will not renew it. Real Madrid have been discussing his name as an option for some time now, but have now decided to back out.
That is because the player’s high demands, both in salary and signing bonus, make his signing practically impossible.
With Real Madrid seemingly out of the picture, Liverpool, who tried to sign Guehi last summer, are seen as the frontrunners. German champions Bayern Munich are also in the running for his signing.
As for Real Madrid, it seems like the Xabi Alonso & co. will go after one of Upamecano or Konate.