🔗 Share this article Did The Reds Missed Out On Chance to Acquire Guehi? Marc Guehi led Crystal Palace when they claimed victory in the season's curtain-raiser against Liverpool in the summer. In just 34 days, Palace skipper the defender will be able to complete a move a club abroad when his deal runs out on the summer. The 25-year-old can sign a preliminary deal with a team overseas when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January 2026. The Anfield club missed the chance to buy the England centre-back for £35m in the summer. The prolonged negotiations, which lasted during the transfer period, concluded when the London club were unable to secure a suitable replacement. It meant the Selhurst Park side missing out on a sizable sum for the player with only one year remaining on his contract, but retained their key player after losing another star to Arsenal a week earlier. Liverpool remain interested to renew their pursuit, though there are uncertainties the transfer will happen. The centre-back now has other options and it is believed elite teams in Europe have already expressed an interest. Guehi, though, is not the sole prominent centre-back who might be on the market on a free transfer next summer. The Merseysiders' own French defender has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the expiry of his current deal, potentially emulating in the footsteps of ex- teammate the right-back. However, rumors on Friday morning indicated Real Madrid have ended their reported pursuit, with little firm intent evident. His unresolved situation has been widely cited as a factor for his dip in performance. The Spanish club could lose players the German, in his thirties, and the Austrian, 33, this summer with both about to begin the final seven months of their agreements. It leaves the Palace star and Dayot Upamecano as possibilities if they are to join the free market to reinforce at centre-back - a strategy they have used several times in recent seasons. The Defender Fits Real Madrid's Model The La Liga side do hold an attraction in the Englishman and he fits a clear team requirement at centre-back. Dean Huijsen has emerged as a regular, but the Brazilian and Antonio Rudiger have both had injury issues. He is now in his 30s, another option has not completely impressed and David Alaba has slowed down after a long spell on the sidelines. The Crystal Palace man, a established English top-flight defender with personality, quickness and plenty of good decisions, is viewed as the kind of calming influence who can compete straight away for minutes. His situation sits with Madrid's broader market strategy: multiple types of transfers. First, the promising player who can develop into a star. Next, the 'free' but proven individual, where heavy bonuses replace transfer costs. Finally, the high-cost acquisition set aside for particular players considered as instant starters.