Liverpool’s long-running pursuit of Marc Guehi appears to have hit a dead end on transfer deadline day, after Crystal Palace blocked a proposed £35 million move to Anfield. According to The Mirror, the England international defender has now informed his representatives that he prefers a switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid — leaving the Premier League side facing a growing defensive dilemma.
From Liverpool Target to Real Madrid Dream
Just days ago, Guehi looked set to become the latest addition to Arne Slot’s Liverpool project. Negotiations were advanced and Liverpool were confident of striking a deal. However, Palace refused to sanction the move as they failed to secure a replacement in time.
That delay may prove decisive. Guehi, who will see his contract expire at the end of this season, is now increasingly drawn to the idea of wearing the famous white shirt of Real Madrid. Under FIFA rules, foreign clubs are allowed to negotiate directly with him from January, giving Madrid the opportunity to secure a pre-contract agreement without paying a transfer fee.
For Liverpool, who had earmarked Guehi as a long-term successor in their defensive rebuild, Madrid’s charm is proving almost impossible to compete with. The chance to play at the Santiago Bernabéu — and potentially link up with other world-class defenders — has reportedly become Guehi’s clear priority.
A Huge Blow for Arne Slot and Liverpool’s Backline
The setback could not come at a worse time for Arne Slot. His defensive ranks are already unsettled, with Ibrahima Konaté refusing to sign a contract extension and also attracting interest from Madrid. Should both Konaté and Guehi end up in La Liga, Liverpool’s defensive structure could be severely weakened in the seasons ahead.
Slot expressed his frustration, but also empathy, when speaking to Sky Sports earlier this week:
“For us it is, of course, a disappointment. I think for the player as well, because he was expecting to join us. But this kind of thing happens in football. Sometimes a player wants to move but cannot, simply because the club is unable to find a replacement. What matters is how we respond after the international break — everyone has to accept the situation and perform.”
Despite Slot’s measured comments, there is no hiding the frustration. Liverpool worked tirelessly throughout the summer to strengthen their defensive options, with Guehi seen as the ideal partner to Virgil van Dijk and Konaté. To come so close, only to lose him to Madrid, feels like a costly missed opportunity.
Why Crystal Palace Blocked the Move
Importantly, Palace’s decision was not rooted in an unwillingness to sell, but rather in circumstance. Without a suitable replacement lined up, they simply could not afford to let their defensive leader depart so late in the window.
Liverpool initially believed the delay was temporary and that a January deal could still be possible. However, Guehi’s shift in preference toward Madrid now leaves the Merseyside club with little room for optimism.
Guehi’s Composure Amid Transfer Turmoil
One of the standout elements of this saga has been Guehi’s professionalism. Despite the constant speculation, the 25-year-old has maintained his focus and continued to deliver consistent performances at Selhurst Park. His calmness under pressure has been praised by both Palace and Liverpool insiders, who recognize his maturity in handling the uncertainty.
Palace, who face a tough trip to Anfield in the coming weeks, will rely heavily on Guehi’s composure. Ironically, he is expected to line up against the very club that tried hardest to sign him this summer.
Madrid, meanwhile, have also been impressed by his character as much as his ability. Los Blancos are not only seeking technical quality but also mental resilience — players who can handle the scrutiny of the Bernabéu spotlight. In Guehi, they believe they may have found exactly that profile.
What’s Next?
As things stand, the path seems clear: Guehi is edging closer to a future in Spain. Unless Liverpool can mount an unexpected revival in negotiations, the England international looks destined to join Real Madrid, potentially as a free agent next summer.
For Liverpool, the focus will now shift to identifying alternative targets to bolster their defense, as Arne Slot looks to avoid being left short in one of the most competitive Premier League seasons in recent memory.
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