Madrid withdraws, Liverpool is now at the forefront of getting world-class defenders for free

Gilabola.com – Liverpool are now increasingly determined to recruit Marc Guehi in the summer of 2026, after reports from Spanish sources confirmed that the Crystal Palace defender was almost certain to join and Real Madrid’s chances of recruiting him were considered closed.

This decision came after Liverpool previously failed to complete the transfer on the final day of the summer window, even though Guehi had undergone a medical test.

The 23-year-old defender is out of contract with Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and internal sources reveal that Liverpool have made him their main target for the centre-back position in 2026. The club also remains determined to secure his services despite several other clubs showing interest.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner previously confirmed that Guehi plans to leave the club as a free agent next summer. Interest from other clubs, including Real Madrid, had arisen because his contract was about to expire.

However, reports from AS on 5 November stated that Madrid had given up on pursuing Guehi’s signature. The high salary demands and signing bonuses make a transfer to Madrid unrealistic, according to the report.

AS adding that the process of Guehi’s move to Liverpool has actually been underway since the summer and will be completed soon. This is the third report in recent days supporting the certainty of Guehi’s move to Anfield.

Previously, Daily Mail correspondent Lewis Steele reported that Guehi had promised to join Liverpool next season. A report from more Liverpool-focused outlet DaveOKop also confirmed the club’s belief that Guehi will be their man.

Anfield Optimism and Transfer Caution

Even though this news is encouraging, Liverpool fans are advised to remain careful because until now there has been no official agreement.

Liverpool thought the transfer was complete in the summer, but Palace canceled the deal at the last minute after failing to convince Igor Julio to move to Selhurst Park as a replacement.

Crystal Palace will also definitely not let Guehi go in the January transfer window, and the player will most likely not try to move in the middle of the season.

Interest from other big European clubs, including Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, remains, but they will only be able to sign pre-contracts from January 1.

Liverpool cannot do a similar pre-contract, so they will have to wait until the summer to secure Guehi. However, optimism remains because Real Madrid has officially withdrawn from the hunt for the central defender.

Apart from focusing on Guehi, Liverpool also received positive news regarding the target of an expensive forward who is currently experiencing deadlock in contract negotiations with his club. The club is also considering bringing in top players from Paris Saint-Germain as part of its transfer plans.

Another news that emerged was regarding Ibrahima Konate, where Kylian Mbappe reportedly provided information to Real Madrid regarding the situation of the Liverpool center back, whose contract will expire at the end of the season.

Liverpool seems to be preparing a dual strategy: securing a priority central defender while continuing to seek additional world-class forwards. This strategy shows the club’s ambition to remain competitive at the highest level of the Premier League and Europe.