Real Madrid's Withdrawal Clears Path for Liverpool to Land Marc Guehi—Report
Liverpool's prospects of acquiring Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi appear to have received a major boost, following Spanish media reports suggesting that Real Madrid, previously linked with the English defender, have withdrawn from contention due to financial constraints.
With Guéhi's Palace deal set to expire at season's end, the defender has openly expressed his desire to depart Selhurst Park and seek fresh challenges—a position that has established him as one of the transfer market's most sought-after assets.
Liverpool nearly secured Guéhi's signature during the previous transfer window's closing stages, but the potential agreement collapsed when Palace couldn't secure adequate time to find a suitable replacement—Brighton's Igor Julio had been targeted as cover but ultimately joined West Ham on a temporary basis.
The Merseyside club was always anticipated to renew their pursuit, whether during January if Palace could be convinced to accept a reduced fee, or before the upcoming campaign when the England star becomes available without compensation.
However, a talent of Guéhi's caliber inevitably attracts interest from numerous elite European sides.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been strongly connected, though the Spanish giants appear most desperate for defensive reinforcement, despite securing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth during the summer window.
Experienced defenders Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba have both battled fitness issues recently—with Alaba spending considerable periods recovering—while Éder Militão has endured anterior cruciate ligament damage in both knees across recent campaigns.
Nevertheless, AS reports that Guéhi is "drifting away from Spain" as his potential arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu is now deemed "practically unfeasible" for the Madrid outfit.
The publication indicates that Real Madrid simply lack the financial resources for Guéhi. While such a transfer would involve no fee if Crystal Palace decline January offers, it hardly represents a cost-free acquisition as the terminology might imply. Beyond Guéhi's substantial wage expectations, free agents typically negotiate significant signing bonuses from prospective employers instead of transfer payments to former clubs.
It may be hasty to entirely dismiss Real Madrid's involvement at this juncture, as Guéhi's destination will likely unfold as an extended media saga throughout the coming months. Nevertheless, Liverpool currently appear well-positioned, with Bayern Munich also regarded as a leading contender. Paradoxically, Madrid might pursue Bayern's Dayot Upamecano as an alternative option.