Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid edge Liverpool in Guéhi race

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from ESPN or go back to LFC Live.

Real Madrid edge Liverpool in Guéhi race

Real Madrid have surged ahead in the pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, positioning themselves as the favorites to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer windows. Despite Liverpool being the frontrunners during the summer and having agreed terms with both Guéhi and Crystal Palace, the deal collapsed at the last minute as Palace failed to secure an adequate replacement for the 25-year-old.

Guéhi, who is out of contract in 2026, is now free to negotiate with foreign clubs starting in January. Reports indicate that the English international has informed his agent of his preference to join Real Madrid, attracted by the club's global stature and their history of signing top free agents. Real Madrid are reportedly ready to offer a lucrative contract and a significant signing-on fee to lure Guéhi to the Santiago Bernabeu, potentially even attempting to secure his services in the January transfer window by meeting Palace's demands.

Liverpool remain interested in Guéhi and could return with a bid in January or wait until next summer to sign him on a free transfer. However, their efforts have been dealt a major blow by Guéhi's clear desire to move to Spain. The Merseyside club’s defensive rebuild is further complicated by the injury to new signing Giovanni Leoni, who is out for several months, leaving them with limited options at center-back.

Multiple top clubs, including Juventus and Manchester City, are also monitoring Guéhi’s situation, but Real Madrid’s financial muscle and reputation make them the most likely destination for the Palace captain. With Guéhi now favoring a move to Madrid, Liverpool face an uphill battle to convince him to join their project instead.