The transfer saga surrounding Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has taken another dramatic twist, sending ripples through the Premier League and beyond. Just weeks ago, Liverpool fans thought they’d landed their next defensive lynchpin. Now, Guehi appears to be heading for the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving Liverpool scrambling for alternatives and Crystal Palace bracing for a future without one of their brightest stars.
Guehi’s journey to this crossroads has been anything but straightforward. The England international, who has impressed with his poise and leadership at Selhurst Park, was on the verge of a £35 million switch to Anfield as the summer transfer window drew to a close. According to multiple sources, the deal was all but done—fee agreed, contract sorted, medicals passed. But football’s unpredictability struck when Crystal Palace, unable to secure a replacement in time, pulled the plug at the eleventh hour. “For us it was of course a disappointment, for the player I assume, as well, because he was expecting to come to us,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot candidly told Sky Sports. “I try to put myself in the player’s shoes, but that can happen with a player from us as well, maybe a player wanted to leave but in the end couldn’t because we couldn’t get a player we wanted, that happens in football many times and the good thing in football is, especially after the international break, everybody comes back, accepts the situation and knows he has to perform well.”
Yet, if Liverpool hoped the delay would be temporary, they were sorely mistaken. Within days, reports emerged that Guehi had informed his advisors of a new preference: a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Mirror revealed that Guehi is now “excited by the prospect of playing for Madrid,” a club whose allure is proving too strong to resist. With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 season, foreign clubs can begin direct negotiations with Guehi in January 2026, giving Real Madrid a significant advantage. For Liverpool, the timing couldn’t be worse.
This development leaves Liverpool’s defensive plans in jeopardy. The club had earmarked Guehi as the cornerstone of a new-look back line, someone to bring stability alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. But now, with Guehi’s heart set on Madrid and Konate reportedly running down his contract—also attracting interest from Los Blancos—the Reds face a defensive conundrum. The threat of losing both Guehi (before even signing him) and Konate in the same window is a scenario that few at Anfield could have imagined just a month ago.
Slot’s frustration is palpable, but he’s also shown understanding for the player’s predicament. “If a player wants a transfer that he doesn’t get, then you always feel for him. If it’s a player of my team, you talk to him, make sure he gets his energy back and keeps going again, and that is probably what has happened at Palace with Marc Guehi,” Slot reflected. Guehi, for his part, has earned widespread praise for his professionalism throughout the saga. Despite the speculation and disappointment, he’s remained focused on his performances for Palace, with both club officials and Liverpool’s hierarchy noting his maturity.
Crystal Palace supporters find themselves in a bittersweet position. On one hand, losing a player of Guehi’s caliber for free next summer would be a blow, both financially and in terms of squad strength. Palace invested significantly in the England defender, nurturing his rise to international prominence. Watching him depart for nothing would sting. On the other hand, there’s a sense of pride in how Guehi has handled himself amid the drama. Many Palace fans would rather see him ply his trade at the Bernabeu than line up against them in Liverpool red—a testament to the defender’s impact and the club’s role in his development.
For now, Guehi remains a Palace player and is expected to feature against Liverpool in upcoming fixtures. His leadership at the back will be crucial as Palace look to consolidate their Premier League status and navigate the uncertainty of the months ahead. The club’s hopes rest on his continued commitment, and if he helps deliver stability before moving on, he’ll depart with gratitude rather than resentment.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are already pivoting in their search for defensive reinforcements. With the Guehi deal dead in the water, reports indicate that the Reds have set their sights on Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. According to E-Noticies, Liverpool value Araujo at around €50 million and are preparing to open talks with the Catalan club. Adding an interesting twist, former Liverpool and Barcelona star Luis Suárez has reportedly spoken to Araujo about the potential move, sharing his positive experiences at Anfield. The search for a new centre-back is on, and while Araujo represents a different profile to Guehi, he could be the answer to Liverpool’s looming defensive crisis.
The stakes are high for Arne Slot and his backroom staff. With Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger and Konate’s future up in the air, decisive action in the transfer market is essential. Liverpool’s inability to secure Guehi despite coming so close will serve as a cautionary tale—one that underscores the importance of timing, negotiation, and contingency planning in modern football. The club can ill afford another drawn-out pursuit that ends in disappointment.
For Real Madrid, the opportunity is clear. By moving early in January, they can secure a highly-rated England international without paying a transfer fee—an increasingly rare coup in today’s market. Guehi’s composure, versatility, and big-game temperament make him an ideal fit for a club that demands excellence under pressure. With Konate also on their radar, Madrid could be set for a significant defensive reshuffle of their own, poaching talent from the Premier League’s elite.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the transfer merry-go-round shows no signs of slowing. The coming months will be decisive for all parties involved. For now, all eyes are on Guehi as he prepares to face Liverpool—the club that almost was his, but now looks set to watch him shine on a different stage entirely. The drama isn’t over yet, and the next act promises just as many twists and turns.
With the January window looming and the futures of Guehi, Konate, and Araujo hanging in the balance, Liverpool’s defensive puzzle remains unsolved. Supporters and neutrals alike will be watching keenly to see how the Reds respond to this setback, and whether Real Madrid can pull off another high-profile Premier League coup. The transfer market, as ever, remains the ultimate theatre of football’s hopes, heartbreaks, and bold ambitions.
