Barcelona face Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich battle for defensive target | OneFootball

Barcelona will enter the market for a new centre-back in the summer of 2026, having felt the after-effects of Inigo Martinez’s departure earlier this year.

The veteran Spaniard’s exit, coupled with Ronald Araujo’s mental health issues leading to uncertainty over his future, has meant that the Catalans now see the signing of a new defender as a priority before next season.

Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the leading candidates, but Barcelona are also looking at other targets, one of whom happens to be Marc Guehi.

Intense competition for Guehi

However, according to journalist Patrick Berger of Sky Sport Germany, Barcelona are set to face some serious competition in the race to sign Guehi.

The Crystal Palace captain will become a free agent at the end of the season and has clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Liverpool gunning for his signing.

Guehi’s expiring contract at the end of the season means he can negotiate a pre-agreement with any club of his choice starting January 2026.

Man in demand. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

And, as things stand, Bayern Munich are prepared to make a move for the England international, with the Bavarians’ sporting director, Max Eberl, planning on direct talks with the player once the new year rolls in.

With the German champions ready to move, and other big clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool also in the hunt, Barcelona will need to act swiftly if they intend to sign Guehi on a free transfer in the summer.

As mentioned earlier, though, Barça have other targets such as Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund, who plans to leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season.

Other names, such as Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, are also seen as potential targets.