Premier League defender wants to join Real Madrid or Barcelona on free transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both looking to strengthen their defences this summer, and this could also be the case in 2026 – depending on their business in 2025. And if either club is in the market for a centre-back, they could find an excellent opportunity in the Premier League.

Real Madrid are set to sign Dean Huijsen this summer, but with doubts over David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao in the long term, they are expected to go for another central defender in 2026. As for Barcelona, they will need a successor to Inigo Martinez, who could end his time at the Catalan club after next season.

Marc Guehi dreaming of move to Real Madrid or Barcelona

As such, both clubs are likely to explore the centre-back market in 2026, which is good news for Marc Guehi. According to reports in England (via Diario AS), the Crystal Palace captain dreams of a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, and he hopes to make it happen at the end of next season when his contract expires at the Premier League side.

Image via Sebastian Frej/Getty Images

Both clubs have been aware of Guehi since last summer

Guehi, who is an England international, has been strongly linked with a move this summer, with the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United said to be keen. But in the event that he holds out until 2026, there is a good chance that he attracts interest from Real Madrid or Barcelona, given that both clubs held an interest in him back in 2024.

Guehi would be a top free transfer signing for either club, and the fact that he can operate as right-sided or left-sided central defender (due to his ability with both foot) makes him an attractive prospect – especially for Barcelona, if they are on the lookout for Martinez’s long-term replacement.