Marc Guehi remains a target for Liverpool and sources at Real Madrid even believe the Crystal Palace defender has “given his word” to join, as they deny their own interest.
While it is unlikely Liverpool will pursue a move for Guehi in the January window – nor are Palace expected to consider a sale – the obvious solution is a free transfer to Anfield when his contract expires in the summer.
But the 25-year-old’s availability as a free agent has attracted interest from elsewhere, not least clubs outside the Premier League who can agree a pre-contract deal from January 1.
Real Madrid have been strongly linked but, according to the Mail‘s Lewis Steele, the Spanish side have downplayed speculation over a move.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk (L) exchanges pennants with Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi before the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Sources in Madrid instead believe Guehi has “given his word” to Liverpool, which certainly aligns with the events of deadline day.
The England international was undergoing a medical at the Reds’ London base after a late agreement was struck with Palace worth £35 million, only for their co-owner Steve Parish to pull the plug at the last minute.
Guehi had already agreed personal terms with Liverpool and was clearly more than willing to join Arne Slot‘s ranks in a deal that would have also included a 10 percent sell-on clause.
Guehi move not likely to be tied to Konate’s future
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 19, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Noise around the player himself indicates he is not only calm about the situation but also unlikely to made any shock decisions over his future.
That would suggest he could maintain his commitment to the Premier League champions and join for free effective July 1 – which, as it stands, would also be the date Ibrahima Konate departs.
For what it’s worth, Steele reiterates that there has been no development regarding Real Madrid‘s interest in Konate, with talks ongoing with Liverpool.
It was claimed earlier this week that a new offer had been made to the No. 5 and the hope will be that he will put pen to paper on a long-term extension as he remains a key player for Slot.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Crystal Palace's captain Marc Guéhi during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Guehi would have been a hugely important addition to Slot’s squad over the summer, with the failure to sign the Palace captain clearly impacting Liverpool’s squad balance.
With Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the remainder of the campaign that has only become clearer.
Liverpool would have allowed Joe Gomez to leave the club had they succeeded in bringing Guehi in over the summer, with AC Milan, Brighton and Palace themselves interested.
Gomez’s own contract runs out in 2027 and the likelihood is that he will move on at the end of this season.