Marc Guehi’s Liverpool U-turn Opens Door to Real Madrid Move
Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi looked to have reached its conclusion on deadline day when Crystal Palace blocked the England defender’s proposed £35 million switch to Anfield. Now, according to The Mirror, the centre-back has told his advisors that his preference is to join Real Madrid instead, leaving the Premier League champions facing a potentially significant defensive dilemma.
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Real Madrid lure proving decisive
Despite being close to finalising a deal with Liverpool, Guehi is now excited by the prospect of playing for Madrid. Foreign clubs are able to negotiate directly with him in January, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. That gives the Spanish giants an opportunity to strike early and secure the 25-year-old without paying a transfer fee.
Liverpool had long seen Guehi as a natural successor in their defensive rebuild. Yet Madrid’s appeal is difficult to contest, and the possibility of lining up at the Bernabeu has, as reports indicate, become Guehi’s clear priority.
It is a twist that will sting further for Arne Slot, who is already dealing with uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman has turned down an extension at Anfield and, like Guehi, has caught Madrid’s attention. Both defenders could conceivably end up together in La Liga, a scenario that underlines Liverpool’s growing defensive challenge.
Liverpool frustration after collapsed deal
Palace’s decision to stop Guehi’s move was driven by circumstance rather than reluctance to sell. Having failed to sign a replacement, they could not sanction his departure before the window closed. Liverpool believed that delay was temporary, with an agreement expected either in January or at the end of the campaign when his contract runs out. Instead, hopes of revisiting the deal may now be dashed.
Slot was candid in his assessment of the situation when speaking to Sky Sports this week. “For us it was of course a disappointment, for the player I assume, as well, because he was expecting to come to us,” he admitted. “I try to put myself in the player’s shoes, but that can happen with a player from us as well, maybe a player wanted to leave but in the end couldn’t because we couldn’t get a player we wanted, that happens in football many times and the good thing in football is, especially after the international break, everybody comes back, accepts the situation and knows he has to perform well.”
It is a sympathetic view, but it does little to mask the frustration. Liverpool’s summer saw them push hard to address depth at the back, with Guehi targeted to bring consistency alongside Virgil van Dijk and Konate. To come so close only to lose ground to Madrid will feel like a costly misstep.
Palace defender admired for composure
What stands out most in this saga is Guehi’s composure throughout. The England international handled speculation with maturity, focusing on his football at Selhurst Park despite knowing that a major transfer was within reach. His ability to stay grounded amid upheaval has been recognised by both Palace and Liverpool officials.
For Palace, his professionalism is crucial, particularly with a trip to Anfield on the horizon. Guehi is expected to feature against the side that tried to sign him only weeks ago, and his performance will be watched closely.
Madrid, of course, will have noted his temperament as much as his defensive skill. They are targeting players who can handle pressure and scrutiny, and Guehi appears to fit the profile perfectly.
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Liverpool’s defensive rebuild in jeopardy
The implications for Liverpool could be severe. With Konate seemingly intent on leaving and Guehi shifting his focus elsewhere, Slot may face a complete reconfiguration of his back line next summer. Virgil van Dijk remains a key figure, but his age and contract situation also require attention. Beyond him, the long-term solutions look increasingly uncertain.
Recruitment will need to be decisive. Whether Liverpool revisit Guehi’s situation or turn to alternatives, the club cannot afford another drawn-out chase that ends without resolution. For now, the power lies firmly with the player, and he has made clear where he wishes to go.
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From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this development brings mixed emotions. On one hand, losing a player of Marc Guehi’s calibre for free next summer would be a bitter blow for the club. Palace invested heavily in him and helped nurture him into an England international, and to see him depart without a fee would represent a huge financial and sporting setback.
However, there is also a sense of pride in how he has handled himself. Guehi has remained professional in difficult circumstances, continuing to perform at a high level despite the transfer drama. If he does earn a move to Real Madrid, Palace fans will know their club played a vital role in his rise. It would stand as a reminder that Selhurst Park is capable of producing talent that can flourish at the very top of world football.
For the remainder of the season, supporters will hope Guehi stays fully committed, particularly with Palace looking to consolidate their Premier League status. His leadership at the back is invaluable, and if he can help deliver stability before moving on, he will leave with gratitude rather than resentment. Many Palace fans would rather see him in Madrid than lining up against them in Liverpool red.
