Real Madrid Make Marc Guehi Approach

Real Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, directly contacting his representatives to express strong interest ahead of the summer transfer window.[1][2][6]

The 25-year-old England international's contract expires in June 2026, allowing pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs from January 1 under FIFA rules. Real Madrid view Guehi as a prime candidate to bolster their defense, especially with potential departures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.[1][5] In initial talks, the Spanish giants confirmed awareness of his market value and clarified rumors of a prior agreement with Liverpool, which sources deny exists despite the Merseyside club's ongoing interest.[1][2]

Guehi, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer in a €35m deal that collapsed after Palace manager Oliver Glasner threatened to resign, is keeping his options open amid interest from elite clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan. However, he reportedly prioritizes Real Madrid, viewing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as a "lifelong dream."[1][2][3]

Real Madrid have cooled interest in alternatives like Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) due to high wage demands and a firm stance against bidding wars pushed by agents.[2][4][5] The club prefers operating in "absolute silence," rejecting approaches that could inflate prices, as seen with past successes like Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold.[5]

Liverpool remain frontrunners per some reports, but Guehi's massive expected wages and signing-on fee could deter suitors. He plans to stay at Palace until season's end before deciding.[3] Real Madrid will monitor developments and may formalize talks if Guehi emerges as their top target.[2]

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