Report: Spanish giants drop out of the race to sign Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Guéhi transfer stance leaves Barcelona cooling interest as Liverpool move into pole position

Barcelona’s long-standing admiration for Marc Guéhi has not disappeared, but the reality of the club’s financial position means their pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender has significantly cooled. With Liverpool and Bayern Munich now pressing harder, the balance of power in this transfer story has shifted decisively away from Camp Nou.

Guéhi, 25, has been closely monitored by Barcelona over an extended period. Internal discussions were held and meetings took place with the player’s representatives, signalling genuine intent rather than casual interest. However, the gulf between what the player can command on the open market and what Barcelona can realistically offer has become impossible to ignore.

As things stand, there has been no meaningful contact between Barcelona and Guéhi’s camp for several weeks. The situation is not expected to change unless there is a dramatic shift in Barcelona’s wage structure or outgoing business.

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Barcelona finances force rethink on Guehi

Barcelona’s strategy in recent windows has been shaped less by sporting preference and more by economic necessity. While Guéhi fits the profile the club admire — elite-level defender, entering his prime, comfortable on the ball and experienced at the highest level — his salary expectations are beyond what Barcelona are prepared to sanction.

Crystal Palace are already resigned to the idea that Guéhi will leave when his contract expires next summer. The club rejected a substantial offer in the region of £40 million during the previous window, confident that interest would not diminish. That stance has been vindicated.

From Barcelona’s perspective, the plan is increasingly to wait until the summer and explore alternatives who may offer similar quality without the same financial burden. The club’s recruitment team continue to operate with a clear internal ceiling on wages, and Guéhi currently sits above it.

Liverpool ready to capitalise on market opportunity

Liverpool have emerged as one of the most proactive clubs in this situation. With defensive planning high on the agenda, Guéhi is viewed as a player capable of stepping straight into a top-level role without a lengthy adaptation period.

Unlike Barcelona, Liverpool are in a position to move decisively. They can offer a competitive salary package, a clear sporting project and the immediate prospect of challenging for major honours. That combination places them firmly among the frontrunners.

Guéhi is also understood to be keen on resolving his future sooner rather than later. From January, he will be free to negotiate directly with overseas clubs, and there is little appetite from the player’s side to let uncertainty drag on. Liverpool’s willingness to act early is therefore significant.

Contract dynamics shape January narrative

The January window looms large in this story. While Palace would ideally avoid losing a key player without a transfer fee, they also recognise the limits of their leverage. Renewal talks have not progressed to a point where confidence exists internally.

This dynamic benefits clubs like Liverpool, who can afford to be patient yet prepared. It also explains why Barcelona have taken a step back. Any attempt to re-enter the race would require compromises the club are currently unwilling to make.

Centre-back market pushes Barcelona elsewhere

Guéhi is not the only elite defender approaching the end of his contract cycle. The wider centre-back market in 2026 is already influencing Barcelona’s thinking. Rather than stretching finances now, the club are increasingly focused on identifying targets who align with both sporting needs and financial reality.

Barcelona remain committed to reinforcing their defence with a top-level addition, but timing and cost will dictate the final decision. Guéhi remains admired, but admiration alone is no longer enough.

For Liverpool, this is an opportunity born out of preparation and pragmatism. For Barcelona, it is another example of how financial constraints continue to shape even their most ambitious plans.