Liverpool Face Fresh Marc Guehi Transfer Battle as Real Madrid and Barcelona Join Race
Liverpool’s hopes of signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi may face significant challenges as Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona enter the race for the England international. The Reds were close to securing Guehi’s signature during the summer transfer window, reportedly tabling a £35 million bid on deadline day. However, the move collapsed after Palace failed to find a replacement, forcing Guehi to remain at Selhurst Park. With the January window approaching and Guehi’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool are still believed to be monitoring the situation. The centre-back would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1, putting Madrid and Barça in a strong position to secure a free transfer ahead of next season. Tottenham Hotspur, long-time admirers of the 24-year-old, are also reportedly reigniting their interest and could make a formal approach in January. Spurs previously tracked Guehi over the summer, according to reports from football.london. Liverpool’s interest may be further intensified by the injury to promising young defender Giovanni Leoni, which has left Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as the only senior centre-back options available for Arne Slot during the first half of the season. Guehi has already impressed against Liverpool this term, playing a key role in Palace’s victories over the Reds in both the Community Shield and a recent Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park. While Guehi remains a top target, Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, another centre-back out of contract next summer. With competition heating up, Liverpool may be forced to act decisively in January if they want to avoid losing Guehi to a European rival.