Liverpool braces for battle with Europe's biggest clubs over transfer target

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich still monitoring Marc Guehi

According to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all monitoring Guehi’s situation closely, and may hold a crucial advantage due to his contract status.

Guehi’s current deal at Selhurst Park expires in the summer of 2026, meaning foreign clubs can begin negotiating a pre-contract agreement as early as January under FIFA regulations. 

That gives European sides a clear edge over Premier League rivals such as Liverpool, who cannot open talks until his deal enters its final six months.

All three continental giants are understood to view Guehi as a cost-effective option to reinforce their defensive ranks next summer. Bayern, in particular, has a recent history of recruiting from Palace, having signed Michael Olise in a £50M move in 2024.

Liverpool views Marc Guehi as potential Virgil van Dijk successor

Liverpool, meanwhile, sees Guehi as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, now 34, and Ibrahima Konate, whose future at Anfield remains uncertain. 

Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are expected to make defensive reinforcements a priority after narrowly missing out on Guehi last summer, and even more so given the defensive frailties that have marked the early part of their season.

Crystal Palace appears to have missed its best chance to cash in on Guehi. After pulling the plug on a £35M move in the summer, the Eagles now have lost leverage, with the defender eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs from January. 

While Palace remain hopeful of convincing their captain to sign fresh terms, the balance of power has shifted firmly in favour of Guehi and his growing list of European suitors.

As Liverpool prepares to revive their pursuit, it must move quickly and decisively or risk losing one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders to Europe’s elite.