Guehi transfer battle intensifies as Man Utd join Liverpool pursuit
Liverpool’s hopes of finally landing Marc Guehi have been dealt a major blow as Manchester United enter the race for the Crystal Palace defender. The England international, long admired by both Premier League giants, is set to leave Selhurst Park next summer on a free transfer — sparking one of the most competitive defensive transfer chases in years.
Contract stand-off opens door for rivals
Guehi, who joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021, is in the final year of his contract and has reportedly rejected multiple offers of an extension. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed earlier this season that the centre-back would not be signing new terms, effectively setting the stage for his exit in 2026.
Liverpool came close to securing Guehi’s signature on deadline day last summer. A deal was in place, personal terms agreed, and a medical reportedly completed. Yet, when Palace failed to find a replacement before the window closed, they pulled the plug — leaving Liverpool frustrated and Guehi in limbo.
Since then, Liverpool have remained quietly confident of revisiting the deal under Arne Slot’s new regime. However, that optimism has now been tested by renewed competition from their fiercest domestic rival.
Man Utd step up interest amid defensive rebuild
Reports emerging this week suggest that Manchester United have made contact with Guehi’s representatives, exploring the possibility of signing him on a free transfer. Having already proven successful in convincing targets such as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to join last summer, United’s hierarchy believe they can present a compelling case to the 24-year-old.
The club’s ongoing defensive restructuring — driven by injuries, inconsistency, and the need for long-term stability — makes Guehi an attractive proposition. With Ruben Amorim keen to introduce a younger core capable of adapting to his progressive style, Guehi fits the mould: experienced in the Premier League, tactically intelligent, and capable of operating in a high defensive line.
European heavyweights circle as uncertainty grows
Liverpool and United are not alone in their pursuit. Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all shown interest, with Inter and Bayern reportedly holding early talks with the player’s camp.
European clubs can begin formal negotiations from 1 January, offering Guehi the chance to sign a pre-contract agreement before his current deal expires. Premier League sides, by contrast, must wait until the summer window opens — a disadvantage that could see the English duo left behind.
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are quietly confident of winning the race. The Spanish champions are said to believe Guehi is open to joining Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabéu, in what would be a remarkable English reunion under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
Liverpool face critical months ahead
For Liverpool, missing out on Guehi twice would represent a significant setback. Richard Hughes and Arne Slot view the Palace captain as an ideal long-term successor within the defensive unit — a player combining leadership, pace and composure.
Yet the club’s inability to complete the transfer earlier, coupled with United’s sudden involvement, leaves the situation finely balanced. Unless Liverpool can act decisively, Guehi’s next destination may well be decided before they are even allowed to negotiate.
With Real Madrid and Manchester United both pushing hard, Guehi’s future could become one of the defining transfer sagas of 2026.
