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The January transfer window is usually a chance for clubs to patch up obvious flaws or exploit contract situations that are harder to navigate in the summer.
For Liverpool, it has more often been a period for tweaks than for major surgery. That stance may have to change in January 2026 when it comes to Marc Guehi.
Under FIFA rules, from 1 January Guehi can talk to and even sign a pre-contract with clubs outside England.
That immediately hands the initiative to European giants such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who are already credited with strong interest in the England defender and can move first on a free-transfer deal for the summer.
However, it’s starting to look like the Reds may have a free run at the Palace defender.
Reports from Germany have already asserted that Bayern Munich see Liverpool as the clear favourite.
Now a massive boost has arrived from Spain.
The reliable Mario Cortegana of the Athletic has revealed that Real Madrid do not consider Guehi a priority at this stage:
“There have been reports about many players,” he began.
“In terms of the defence, Real Madrid told Liverpool they would not be pursuing Ibrahima Konate, as reported in The Athletic’s Transfer Radar. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is not a priority at this point.”
Liverpool’s recruitment team will also be well aware that the competition could ramp up quickly if Bayern Munich tie down Dayot Upamecano and Madrid are forced to revisit alternatives in the market.
Add in Barcelona and other Champions League regulars keeping a close eye on the situation and it becomes clear why Liverpool are so keen to get back to the front of the queue before the summer scramble begins.
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