Real planning to beat Liverpool to £35m defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid Weigh January Move for Marc Guehi as Alonso Considers Defensive Reinforcements

Real Madrid are preparing to strengthen their defence in the January transfer window, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi emerging as a serious target. Sources close to the situation suggest the Spanish giants are considering a bid worth around €35 million, as Xabi Alonso looks to stabilise his options at centre-back amid growing concerns over the fitness of senior defenders.

Guehi’s growing reputation

Marc Guehi’s rise over the past three seasons has not gone unnoticed across Europe. The England international has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, blending composure in possession with strong leadership qualities. His performances at Crystal Palace have made him a priority target for clubs including Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

However, Real Madrid’s renewed interest could dramatically change the transfer landscape. Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer, and Palace manager Oliver Glasner has already admitted that the 25-year-old is unlikely to sign a new deal. With that in mind, Palace may reluctantly accept an offer in January rather than risk losing their captain on a free transfer.

Alonso’s defensive dilemma

Xabi Alonso has been forced to assess his back line carefully after a series of fitness issues. Both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger have faced recurring injuries, while Eder Militao only recently returned from a long-term layoff. During Madrid’s narrow 1–0 win over Getafe, Alonso replaced Alaba at half-time after the Austrian experienced discomfort in his calf — a precautionary move that underlined Madrid’s fragile depth in central defence.

Speaking after the game, Alonso explained: “Alaba felt some tightness in his leg and we didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll check him again tomorrow.” While the injury was not thought to be serious, the episode reinforced concerns at the Bernabéu about relying on a defensive core approaching their thirties, particularly in a season where Madrid are fighting for both La Liga and Champions League glory.

Liverpool face renewed competition

Liverpool’s long-standing admiration for Guehi dates back to his early days at Palace. Manager Arne Slot is understood to view the defender as an ideal fit for his system, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté’s contract due to expire next summer. The Merseyside club came close to making a late bid in August but were ultimately unable to reach an agreement with Palace before the transfer window closed.

A January move from Madrid would therefore represent a significant blow to Liverpool’s defensive planning. With Real prepared to offer a sizeable fee mid-season, Palace’s resolve to keep their captain will be tested sooner than expected. Guehi’s preference, according to sources close to the player, may still be to wait until next summer and assess all available offers — but that stance could shift if Madrid formalise their approach.

Alonso’s vision for Real Madrid’s future

Under Alonso’s leadership, Madrid have embraced a modern tactical approach built on possession control and positional versatility. The Spaniard, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti earlier this year, has made defensive stability a cornerstone of his project. Adding Guehi, a player capable of stepping into midfield and initiating play, would align perfectly with that vision.

While the Spanish media remains divided on whether Madrid will move in January or wait until June, there is a growing acceptance that reinforcements are needed. Reports from within Spain suggest Alonso has been granted flexibility in the upcoming window, with Guehi at the top of a shortlist that also includes Arsenal’s William Saliba.

Given Alaba’s ongoing fitness concerns and Rüdiger’s contract situation, Madrid’s pursuit of Guehi appears more a matter of timing than intention. If Los Blancos make their move in January, it could mark one of the defining defensive transfers of the 2025–26 season.