Liverpool Faces Marc Guehi Competition As Real Madrid And Barcelona Enter The Race.

Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the summer has left the club with a major defensive headache. The Reds had agreed a £35 million fee and even scheduled medical tests for the England international, only for Palace to pull out at the last moment. The London club refused to sanction the deal without first securing a replacement and also demanded either a higher bid or the inclusion of Joe Gomez in part-exchange. That collapse not only frustrated Liverpool’s recruitment plans but also opened the door for other elite clubs to join the chase.

For Liverpool, the need for defensive reinforcements has grown more urgent. Their young summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his debut and faces a lengthy absence, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as the only senior centre-backs available. That thin cover is a concern for manager Arne Slot, especially with the team competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups. The collapse of the Guehi deal has therefore reignited Liverpool’s determination to revisit the situation when the January transfer window opens.

Marc Guehi’s contract situation also plays a significant role in this saga. His current deal at Crystal Palace runs until 2026, meaning that by next summer he will be in the final year of his contract. Unless he signs an extension, Palace will be forced to consider selling him rather than risk losing him for free. From January 2026, Guehi would also be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs, significantly strengthening the bargaining power of suitors outside the Premier League. Guehi himself is said to be reluctant to commit to a new deal at Selhurst Park, hinting at a readiness to move on.

That uncertainty has caught the attention of two of Europe’s giants. Reports in Spain suggest both Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring Guehi’s situation. With both clubs in need of long-term defensive reinforcements, the England defender fits the profile: young, athletic, and already proven in the Premier League. The attraction of joining one of La Liga’s powerhouses could be strong, and with the advantage of pre-contract rights from January, Madrid and Barça have a unique edge over Liverpool in negotiations.

For Liverpool, the entry of Real Madrid and Barcelona into the picture raises the stakes considerably. The Reds cannot afford to be passive if they want to secure Guehi’s services. Missing out again would not only leave them vulnerable in defense but could also damage their reputation in the transfer market after already suffering a collapse in the summer. Acting quickly in January, perhaps with an improved offer, may be the only way to fend off continental competition and convince Guehi that his future lies at Anfield.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, face a tough decision. Keeping Guehi until the end of the season strengthens their defense in the short term, but the risk of losing him for free later looms large. Selling him in January could provide funds for reinforcements, yet doing so midseason could also destabilize the team. With the player unlikely to extend his contract, Palace may be forced into compromise — either striking a deal in the winter or accepting a reduced fee in the summer.

Ultimately, the January window looks set to determine Guehi’s future. Liverpool remain keen, Real Madrid and Barcelona are circling, and Palace are under pressure to make a decision.For Guehi, the choice will not only be about money but also about ambition, playing style, and career progression. Whether he stays in England to anchor Liverpool’s backline or embarks on a new challenge in Spain, his next move promises to be one of the defining stories of the upcoming transfer window.