Barcelona have all but dropped out of the race to sign Liverpool target Marc Guehi, according to reports in the Catalan media.
The La Liga champions, along with the Reds and Bayern Munich, were deemed to be the three favourites to secure the Crystal Palace captain’s services on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, Mundo Deportivo claim that Barca have decided to cool their interest in Guehi after realising they can’t compete on personal terms.
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It is believed that both Arne Slot’s side and Bayern hold an “advantage” after signalling their intention to offer the centre-back a “great salary”, which is far beyond what the Catalan club can pay.
Barcelona have not held talks with Guehi for “weeks”
It seems as if Hansi Flick’s team have known for quite some time that they will not be able to snap up Guehi when his contract expires.
Contacts between the two parties are said to have gone cold “several weeks” ago, and it appears the England international is now looking at joining other teams. He is said to be keen on making a decision early in the New Year.
How big a threat are Bayern to Liverpool’s plans?
The interest from the Bundesliga giants is genuine. Respected sources have confirmed that the club have held more than one meeting with Guehi’s representatives.
However, a lot still hinges on the future of Dayot Upamecano. Like Guehi, the Frenchman is out of contract next summer, and he is also weighing up his options.
If Upamecano were to put pen to paper on an extension with Bayern, the chances of Guehi moving to Germany would be greatly reduced. It means Liverpool are still very much in contention to seal his signature.
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