Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after reports from Spain confirmed that Real Madrid have withdrawn from the race to sign the England international.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Madrid ended their interest due to the financial demands surrounding the deal, including Guehi’s high wage expectations and signing-on fee. The report added that the club’s new transfer policy prioritises signing world-class players on free transfers, a strategy that recently landed them Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
With Madrid stepping aside, Liverpool now appear in a stronger position to revive their long-standing interest. The Reds came close to securing Guehi on deadline day in the summer, but Crystal Palace pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute.
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Manager Arne Slot is said to remain keen on strengthening his defensive options ahead of the January window. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté back in form but limited backup available, Guehi’s arrival is seen as a priority to bolster depth and competition.
Guehi has been one of Palace’s standout performers this season, earning praise for his consistency and leadership. His former teammate Eberechi Eze once described him as “an incredible player and an incredible person — a leader, mature beyond his years.”
If Liverpool move quickly, they could finally secure a player viewed within Anfield as a long-term solution in defence, especially now that one of their biggest rivals for his signature is officially out of the picture.