Financial battle: Bayern keep up the pressure on England star | OneFootball

FC Bayern is working on squad planning for the upcoming season—and is focusing specifically on the defense. According to information from BILD, Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace is playing an increasingly important role in the Munich club’s considerations. The English international is seen as the preferred solution should Minjae Kim or Dayot Upamecano leave the club next year.

Bayern wants to position the defensive leader early on. According to BILD, Guéhi is considered internally as the top candidate for summer 2026—ideally on a free transfer. This puts the Munich club among an illustrious list of top European clubs who have the 25-year-old on their radar.

As reported by Sky, sporting director Max Eberl is one of the biggest advocates for the transfer. Accordingly, FCB has already made contact with the defender’s camp. Guéhi impresses Bayern’s decision-makers with his combination of dynamism, tackling strength, and technical quality—attributes that make him a modern defensive leader.

The contract situation in Munich also plays a role: Dayot Upamecano is only under contract until 2026, and talks about an extension have stalled. Should the Frenchman decide against a new contract or Minjae Kim receive a lucrative offer from abroad, the record champions would have an urgent need to act in central defense.

Guéhi, who is under contract with Crystal Palace until 2026, would then be the logical successor.

The Guéhi Poker Heats Up—Competition from Spain and England

Photo: IMAGO

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the bidding war for Marc Guéhi has long since begun. More than half a dozen top clubs are preparing to enter the race for the defender. In addition to FC Bayern, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, and several Premier League teams are also interested.

Romano describes the situation as a “financial contest,” in which not only the sporting project but also the financial framework plays a decisive role. One thing is certain: Crystal Palace will not be able to keep the defender—a contract extension is considered out of the question.

Last summer, Guéhi was already on the verge of a move to Liverpool, but the transfer fell through at the last minute. It is considered certain that the club from Anfield Road remains interested.

Bayern Sees Guéhi as the Ideal Defensive Leader

With over 130 Premier League appearances and regular call-ups to the England national team, Guéhi has long since established himself among Europe’s elite. In Munich, he is seen as a commanding central defender with future potential who can take on responsibility immediately.

The 1.82-meter-tall right-footer is considered a calm, tactically intelligent player with strong build-up play—qualities that are particularly sought after in Vincent Kompany’s system. According to BILD, Kompany himself is also convinced by Guéhi, as the Belgian coach knows English football very well from his time at Burnley FC.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.