Image Credits: Imago Images
Marc Guehi has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe and looks set to leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires in 2026.
The England international was on the verge of joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day before the move fell through at the last minute.
Despite the collapse of that move, the Reds remain eager to sign the 26-year-old as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his defensive options.
However, Liverpool face stiff competition.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are both monitoring Guehi’s situation closely, and the two European heavyweights hold a major advantage.
They can begin talks with the player in January about a free transfer next summer.
Real Madrid were also linked with Guehi, with his contract set to expire on June 30, making him an attractive option for clubs seeking a new centre-back.
Yet, according to AS, financial factors have discouraged Xabi Alonso’s side from pursuing a deal.
Guehi’s salary expectations and a sizeable signing-on fee are beyond Madrid’s current budget, particularly after spending £50million to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer.
The Spanish outlet also reports that Liverpool are favourites to secure the signing of Guehi.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish earlier explained why the Eagles chose not to sell Guehi to Liverpool last summer.
“We needed to keep Marc because the difference between us having a stellar season and having a relegation-threatened season is us winning five games or not,” Parish told Men in Blazers recently.
“So the margins in the Premier League are very tight and you have to remember that Michael [Olise] has gone, we’re OK, Ebbs (Eberechi Eze) has gone, we’re OK, Wilfred [Zaha] went, we’re OK.
“There’s a limit to how much you can keep doing that before you break down the fabric of the team.”
Parish added: “Marc was great about it as a person. Liverpool made the offer.
“It was a massive club, he was obviously interested in going. But he was fine about it, staying, if that was the decision we made.
“Obviously it means all of the ball is in his court tremendously as a player and he’s got the choice of wherever he wants to go.”
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