Marc Guehi’s transfer saga has taken another twist.
Just weeks after coming within touching distance of signing for Liverpool on deadline day, reports now suggest the Crystal Palace captain has his sights set on an entirely different destination — and it’s one that would sting the Reds.
How the Liverpool Move Collapsed
Guehi, 25, was all set to complete a £35 million switch to Anfield.
He passed a medical, agreed to a five-year contract, and even had a deal sheet submitted to the Premier League on time.
Everything seemed in place for him to become Liverpool’s new defensive signing.
But the move fell apart at the last minute. Crystal Palace were unable to bring in a replacement defender before the window closed, leaving them no choice but to block the transfer.
That decision meant Guehi stayed on as Palace’s skipper, while Liverpool were left scrambling short at the back.
A Fresh Target in Spain
Now, according to reports from The Mirror, Guehi has told his agent that Real Madrid is the club he really wants to join.
Ironically, Madrid already has links with Liverpool players past and present.
Trent Alexander-Arnold now calls the Bernabéu home, while Ibrahima Konaté — Guehi’s England rival — has also been linked with a move to Spain.
Guehi could end up alongside Konaté in white rather than red.
Arne Slot’s Sympathy for Guehi
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted he felt sorry for the defender after the collapsed deal.
Speaking earlier this week, he explained:
“For us it was a disappointment, and I assume for the player as well.
He was expecting to come to us. But that’s football. Sometimes a transfer just doesn’t happen because another club can’t get their replacement in.”
Slot added that when players miss out on moves, they need support and motivation to refocus — something Palace will now be tasked with ensuring for their captain.
Palace’s Standpoint
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was clear about why Guehi wasn’t allowed to leave.
He revealed that the club had agreed back in March that Guehi could move — but only if the Eagles found a suitable replacement.
By August 31, no new defender had been signed, and Glasner said keeping Guehi was “necessary” to the club’s season.
“It’s not about my wish or gift,” Glasner insisted. “It’s necessary for a successful season.”
Guehi’s Form and England Role
Since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs.
He has already earned 25 England caps and played at Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate.
This season, he’s carried on in strong form, even scoring in Palace’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
After that game, however, he avoided commenting on transfer rumours, instead pointing to the collective effort behind the result.
A Frantic Transfer Window for Liverpool
While missing out on Guehi was a blow, Liverpool didn’t leave the summer empty-handed.
The Reds smashed the British transfer record to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak for £125 million and also landed Florian Wirtz for £116 million.
Still, the absence of a defensive reinforcement remains a concern.
What’s Next for Guehi?
With his contract running down, Guehi could walk away from Selhurst Park for free next summer.
From January, he’s allowed to speak to foreign clubs — and Real Madrid is now looking like his preferred option.
For Liverpool, the twist is painful. They came close to landing him, but might now end up watching him thrive at the very club that has caused them heartbreak in so many Champions League nights.