European Giants Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich Hit with Surprise Rival in Battle for Marc Guehi—Report
Liverpool aren't the sole suitors for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi as his deal approaches expiration, with Manchester City now reportedly keeping "close tabs" on the England centre-back.
Guéhi came extremely close to joining Liverpool previously, with a potential move to Anfield falling through only in the transfer window's dying moments when Palace withdrew from negotiations. The South London club had insufficient time to secure a replacement and decided retaining Guéhi was preferable, despite the risk of losing him for nothing.
Many observers have indicated the 25-year-old could have been Liverpool's missing component, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté's performances declining sharply and Virgil van Dijk also struggling for consistency.
It was anticipated that Liverpool would renew their pursuit of Guéhi, who carried a £35 million ($47 million) price tag in August, either by attempting to negotiate a reduced fee in January or waiting until his Palace deal expires this summer. However, the situation may no longer be as simple as resuming previous discussions.
Bayern Munich have shown interest in Guéhi, continuing their trend of acquiring English or Premier League talent in recent seasons; including Harry Kane, Eric Dier, and Michael Olise.
Real Madrid, who reportedly abandoned their chase for Konaté, are also considered potential suitors. Nevertheless, a Spanish report from last month highlighted financial obstacles due to anticipated substantial wage requirements.
The Times now reports that Guéhi has become a "primary objective" for Manchester City as well.
Former City sporting director Txiki Begiristain, succeeded by Hugo Viana earlier in 2025, is acknowledged for initially identifying Guéhi as a City target. However, that interest reportedly continues and now "appears to be ideally timed" during a crucial phase of ongoing squad reconstruction.
Man City's Centre Back Depth Set for Major Changes
Pep Guardiola's preferred centre-back partnership this campaign has been Rúben Dias alongside Joško Gvardiol, with the Croatian shifting inward after excelling at left-back previously. Abdukodir Khusanov arrived from Lens for £33.8 million just 11 months ago and will represent Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup. However, City currently lack additional dependable long-term options in central defense.
Vitor Reis, who also joined last January in an equally costly transfer, remains a teenager on loan with affiliated club Girona, currently battling relegation in La Liga. The Brazilian prospect may need considerable development time before being ready for City's senior squad.
John Stones is presently sidelined with another injury concern, a thigh issue that, while relatively minor, serves as another indication of the England defender's injury susceptibility. When healthy, few perform better, but Stones hasn't featured in more than 24 Premier League matches in any season since his inaugural campaign with the club in 2016–17—and even that total reached only 27. He'll also turn 32 in May.
Nathan Aké reaches 31 in February and hasn't made a Premier League start since October.
Stones' contract expires at season's end, while Aké remains tied to the club until summer 2027.
Manuel Akanji, who turns 31 on his next birthday, continues as a City player temporarily. A £15 million permanent transfer was allegedly arranged with Galatasaray in August. The Swiss defender declined, but subsequently joined Inter on loan. That agreement with the Italian side reportedly contains an extremely reasonable £13 million purchase option.