Marc Guehi’s Transfer Saga: Liverpool’s Miss and Real Madrid’s Gain

Marc Guehi, one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League, found himself at the center of one of the summer’s most dramatic transfer sagas. The Crystal Palace star was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, but a series of complications led to the deal falling apart at the last moment. Now, the 23-year-old center-back’s future appears to be heading in an entirely new direction, with Real Madrid reportedly emerging as his preferred destination.

Liverpool’s Late Pursuit Ends in Disappointment

As the transfer window drew to a close, Liverpool made a late push to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The deal was reportedly close to completion, with a £35 million fee agreed upon by both clubs. However, according to Liverpool Echo, the transfer collapsed due to Palace’s inability to secure a replacement for Guehi, as their move for West Ham’s Igor Julio fell through on the same day. This left Liverpool short at center-back, a concern given their reliance on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Complicating matters further was Palace’s demand to include Liverpool defender Joe Gomez in the deal. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Palace had proposed a swap deal involving Gomez to lower Guehi’s transfer fee. Liverpool, however, refused to part ways with Gomez, leading to an impasse that ultimately saw the deal collapse just hours before the deadline.

Guehi’s Professionalism Amid Transfer Turmoil

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a move to one of England’s biggest clubs, Guehi has demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout the saga. Just days after the transfer window closed, Guehi joined the England squad and played a pivotal role in their 2-0 victory over Andorra in a World Cup qualifier. According to Liverpool.com, the defender posted on social media after the match, highlighting his focus on the game rather than the distractions of the transfer market.

Former Premier League star Tony Cascarino praised Guehi’s conduct during the ordeal, stating on talkSPORT, “He honored his contract and remained professional. That’s how it should be.” Guehi’s attitude has earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike, reinforcing his reputation as a grounded and committed athlete.

Real Madrid: The New Priority Destination

With Liverpool reportedly ruling out a January move for Guehi, his future now appears to lie outside the Premier League. According to Football365, Liverpool are “adamant” they will not pursue the defender during the winter transfer window, opting instead to wait until he becomes a free agent next summer. This decision opens the door for other suitors, and Real Madrid has quickly emerged as a leading contender for his signature.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that Guehi has expressed a clear preference for joining the Spanish giants, stating that he “prefers Real Madrid as his next destination.” With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Guehi will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting in January 2026. Real Madrid’s interest aligns with their ongoing search for a long-term replacement for veteran defenders like David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

What Lies Ahead for Guehi?

The failed move to Liverpool may have been a setback, but it has also opened up new opportunities for Marc Guehi. As one of the Premier League’s standout defenders, his stock remains high, and his availability on a free transfer next summer makes him an attractive prospect for clubs across Europe. Whether he joins Real Madrid or opts for another destination, Guehi’s next move will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched transfers of 2026.

For Liverpool, missing out on Guehi raises questions about their defensive depth, particularly with the club competing on multiple fronts this season. As the January transfer window approaches, the Reds may need to explore alternative options to bolster their backline.