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Liverpool are preparing for another battle in a transfer market that has become crowded and unpredictable.
The demand for reliable centre-backs is high, and the number of top options is shrinking fast.
Several elite clubs in Europe are searching for defenders at the same time, which has created direct competition between teams that rarely shop in the same places.
The expectation is that the biggest decisions will be made early in the winter window.
Foreign clubs are ready to move quickly, especially with players who are close to the end of their contracts.
Liverpool have been in this situation before, and the mood around Anfield suggests they are determined not to repeat past mistakes.
They know they need to act fast.
They also know they are not alone in this chase.
The main focus is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who enters a crucial stage of his future in 34 days.
BBC Sport report that he will be free to complete a move to a European club when his contract expires on 30 June.
From 1 January 2026, he can also sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club.
Liverpool had the chance to sign him for £35m last summer but missed out when Palace refused to sell.
Manager Oliver Glasner reportedly blocked the deal after the club failed to secure a replacement, especially after losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal one week earlier.
That decision kept Palace’s captain for another season but cost them a major transfer fee.
Now the market has changed.
BBC Sport confirm that top European clubs have already registered interest, and Real Madrid are one of the teams monitoring his situation.
Their interest fits a transfer strategy built around three deal types, including the approach where “free but established players” are signed with heavy signing-on fees instead of transfer costs.
From a Liverpool perspective, this is a serious complication.
Madrid may lose Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, which puts Guehi and Dayot Upamecano on their list.
Liverpool want to revive their pursuit, but the competition is stronger, and the window will be tight.
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