Liverpool are quietly optimistic they’ll get Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window — even with Real Madrid occasionally mentioned as a possible rival. It’s one of those stories that keeps coming back: a young defender doing well, several big clubs watching, and negotiations that halt only because the timing wasn’t quite right. I’ve read a few takes, and they all circle the same idea: Liverpool didn’t give up when the deadline-day move failed, and they’re already planning for another attempt.
Why Guehi is on Liverpool’s radar
Guehi has turned himself into a reliable Premier League centre-back. He’s physical, reads the game well, and — perhaps most importantly — he’s consistent. Those are the qualities top clubs prize, and Liverpool are no different. He’s still young enough to grow with a team and experienced enough to step straight into a demanding environment. Also, he’s an England regular, which only raises his profile and the belief that he can perform under pressure.
Liverpool clearly like the idea of adding him. They chased Guehi near the end of the last transfer window and reportedly even agreed personal terms. That says something: if a club goes to the trouble of sorting out wages, agent fees, and the player’s side of the deal, they usually mean business. For Liverpool, the motive is obvious — they want to keep their defence sharp and prepared for the next few seasons. A defender like Guehi slots into that plan neatly.
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What went wrong — and what changed
On deadline day, a deal was apparently in place between clubs. But Crystal Palace’s chairman, Steve Parish, pulled the brakes. The manager at the time, Oliver Glasner, didn’t want to let Guehi go without a ready-made replacement. That’s football: the human side — who needs to be replaced, how the dressing room will react — sometimes trumps quick business.
So, the transfer collapsed. That could have ended Liverpool’s interest. Instead, they’ve moved on more cautiously. They had a busy window and the club didn’t want to force things. There’s a clear lesson here: timing matters as much as money and intent. You can have interest, you can do your homework, but if the other side isn’t ready, deals fall apart.
Now, though, the situation might flip. Guehi is entering the final year of his contract at Palace. When a player reaches that point, his club faces a choice: sell now and get a fee, or risk losing him for free later. Big clubs like Liverpool often see an opportunity in those moments. If Guehi lets his contract run down, he could become a Bosman — free to sign with any club without a transfer fee. That’s a tempting prospect: you save on the transfer cost and still add a quality player.
Real Madrid’s interest complicates things
There’s another angle — Real Madrid. The Spanish side have been linked with Guehi, and it makes sense why. Their current central defenders, including high-profile names, are getting older or are on contracts that won’t last forever. Madrid often plan long-term and have the resources to make late midfield or defensive reinforcements. Add to that the pull of playing for a club with a recent history of signing big names, and the appeal is obvious.
Does that mean Liverpool are out of the race? Not necessarily. For one, Liverpool reportedly already sorted personal terms with Guehi. That can be decisive. Players often choose where they feel most comfortable — the manager’s style, the city, the prospect of regular minutes. Liverpool’s pitch, if made properly, could still win.
Besides, the transfer market is messy. Deals break down, priorities shift, and personal preferences change. A player might be tempted by Madrid one week and then rethink at the last moment. I’ve seen it happen. So while Real Madrid add a serious wrinkle, Liverpool’s groundwork could keep them competitive.
Also read: Young Talent, Old Dreams: Why Kirill Glebov Has His Heart Set on Manchester United
Why Liverpool remain calm — and realistic
Liverpool’s approach feels pragmatic. They didn’t force a move when Palace refused to let Guehi go without cover. That restraint can actually help the relationship between clubs; it shows respect, and in the long run it may make a future deal easier. Plus, if Guehi does become a free agent, Liverpool could sign him without a transfer fee — a significant saving that allows wages to be higher or funds to be used elsewhere.
There’s also the human element: Guehi might prefer Liverpool. He played well in the Premier League; moving to Real Madrid would be a big cultural shift, a new language and a different way of playing. Not everyone jumps at that. Some players pick a club where they know they’ll play and be valued. Liverpool — with their history and style — can be very attractive in that way.
So yes, Real Madrid are a threat. But Liverpool aren’t panicking. They’ve laid some groundwork, showed interest, and, crucially, reportedly reached agreement on personal terms. That can tilt the balance.
In the end, this is all about timing and patience. The next summer window will be telling. If Guehi runs down his contract, he becomes much easier to sign — and Liverpool look well placed to push for him again. If Palace sell earlier to avoid losing him for nothing, that’s different. And if Madrid swoop in with a late offer, well, then things could change quickly. Transfer windows are never entirely predictable, are they?
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