Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is reportedly prioritising joining Real Madrid next summer amid his links with Premier League champions Liverpool.
According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Marc Guehi is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a centre-back in next summer’s transfer window. So, the 25-year-old Crystal Palace defender has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.
The Crystal Palace captain is also a target for Liverpool, with the Premier League champions coming close to securing his services a few months ago. However, the Reds have fallen behind Real Madrid in the battle for the Englishman’s signature, as he has identified the Santiago Bernabeu as his priority destination.
How has Marc Guehi fared at Crystal Palace?
Marc Guehi has become a household name since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea in July 2021. The 25-year-old was among the brightest young defensive prospects in the Premier League when he arrived at Old Trafford, and he has made significant progress in the last four and a half years while becoming the club captain.
The English international has made nearly 200 appearances thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with 11 goals and eight assists. However, Guehi has entered the final seven months of his contract, with the situation capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for the FA Cup winner’s signature.
A man in demand
Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi is understandable. Giovanni Leoni has picked up a long-term knee injury and will not be fit enough to start the 2026/27 season. Additionally, Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future remains uncertain, despite Real Madrid’s decision not to pursue him next summer. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Guehi is a viable target for Liverpool.
As for Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. Additionally, Eder Militao has struggled with fitness issues since the start of the 2023/24 season. So, Real Madrid must dip into the market for a centre-back next year, with Guehi being an option worth considering. The latest report has revealed that the 25-year-old Englishman is prioritising joining Los Blancos next summer.
Guehi will not leave Crystal Palace midway through the 2025/26 season, and the situation hands an advantage to Real Madrid, as they can discuss a pre-agreement with the 2024/25 FA Cup winner in a few hours. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can turn the English defender’s head and usurp the Spanish giants in the race to sign him.
