Real Madrid eye £50 million-rated Premier League defender as Leny Yoro alternative | OneFootball

Following the departure of Nacho Fernandez, Real Madrid are ramping up efforts to sign a new centre-back this summer.

The Merengues suffered from injuries to defenders in the season gone by and hence are intent on reinforcing the centre-back department.

Leny Yoro of LOSC Lille has been identified as the primary target by the reigning La Liga champions, although talks with the French outfit are expected to be tricky.

As such, it would not hurt Real Madrid to identify alternatives in case their move for Yoro falls through.

Marc Guehi on the agenda

Now, reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, suggest that Real Madrid have set their sights on Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi as an option to reinforce the defence.

Guehi, 23, has grown into one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea back in 2021.

Marc Guehi on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

After a solid campaign in 2023/24, the defender is turning in some fine performances for England at the UEFA Euro 2024.

Guehi has played every minute at the Euros so far, although he will miss the quarterfinal tie against Switzerland through suspension.

But the 23-year-old’s displays seem to have caught the eye of Real Madrid who view him as an option to strengthen the defensive department.

Crystal Palace will demand £50 million

Guehi has a contract with Crystal Palace that runs until the summer of 2026 and the Eagles would be open to a sale for a good offer.

In fact, it is suggested that they could accept a fee around the £50 million mark (€59 million), which is the amount for which the Premier League club are selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.

As has been made clear in the past though, Real Madrid’s absolute priority remains Yoro, who would even be open to running down his contract at Lille and moving to Spain as a free agent in 2025.