Double Real Madrid update could be positive for Liverpool | OneFootball

European giants step back from Marc Guehi chase as Liverpool plans sharpen

Liverpool’s long running interest in Marc Guehi has taken another intriguing turn, with European heavyweights seemingly clarifying their stance ahead of the January pre contract window. Credit to Liverpool World for the original reporting, which sheds fresh light on Real Madrid’s thinking and, by extension, Liverpool’s opportunity.

With Guehi’s Crystal Palace deal expiring at the end of the season, the England centre back is emerging as one of the most attractive defensive options on the market. Six months from freedom, proven in the Premier League, and still only 25, this is the type of situation recruitment teams build years around.

Marc Guehi contract situation gathers pace

Liverpool supporters will remember just how close this move came last summer. A £35 million fee was agreed, Guehi even underwent a medical, only for Palace to pull out late on. That context matters now, because it underlines the Reds’ seriousness and groundwork.

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has already made the situation explicit. “I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year,” Glasner said in October. “The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, ‘no, I want to make something different’.”

That clarity removes uncertainty. From January 1, Guehi can sign a pre contract with clubs outside England, putting continental sides firmly in the frame.

Real Madrid stance offers clarity

Real Madrid’s position is therefore significant. According to ESPN Deportes, Los Blancos are not expected to pursue a move for Guehi, despite the defender supposedly “liking the idea” of a switch to the Spanish capital.

Madrid are expected to sign at least one centre back, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both nearing the end of their deals. However, the report suggests Guehi is not part of that thinking. Crucially for Liverpool, it is also claimed that Madrid will not move for Ibrahima Konate, whose Anfield contract expires in the summer, nor Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

Photo: IMAGO

That removes one of the biggest perceived threats in the Guehi race and eases anxiety around Konate’s own future.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report feels quietly encouraging rather than headline grabbing. Real Madrid removing themselves from the Guehi conversation matters, because when they want a player, narratives shift quickly and prices follow.

Guehi feels like unfinished business for Liverpool. The failed move last summer still lingers, and supporters will see January as a chance to right that wrong, even if the deal formally completes in the summer. His age profile aligns neatly with a squad that is transitioning rather than rebuilding.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool won the Premier League title in his debut season, but the follow up has been underwhelming, with the Reds currently sitting fifth. Defensive control has been inconsistent, particularly when rotating. 

There is also a sense of pragmatism here. A free transfer, even with substantial wages and bonuses, represents smart market value in an era of inflated fees. Supporters are increasingly aware of financial sustainability, especially with rivals spending aggressively.

The Konate mention is also worth noting. Madrid stepping away should reassure fans, but Liverpool still need to act decisively on contract renewals. Losing one elite centre back while gambling on another arriving would be risky.