Guehi, who almost joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window, is set to leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires, which has alerted several clubs to his situation as he would represent a major commercial opportunity.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will be looking for a new central defender next summer, and, naturally, they are both interested in Guehi. However, it now appears that the England international favors one transfer or the other.
Real Madrid still seems to favor the recruitment of Ibrahima Konaté,
According to Florian Plettenburg, Barcelona – just like Liverpool – are strongly interested in Guehi next summer, but more importantly, the player is willing to postpone any decision regarding his future until Real Madrid decide to sign him.
In recent years, Real Madrid have started to build an English contingent at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the arrival of Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2023 and 2025 respectively. Next summer, Guehi could be the latest arrival. Alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich, they would have a considerable advantage in the race for his recruitment, as they can open pre-contract negotiations as early as January, unlike Liverpool.
Guehi is not currently Real Madrid's first choice
For the moment, Real Madrid still seems to favor the recruitment of Ibrahima Konaté, another player whose availability is planned for next summer. However, he could sign a new contract at Liverpool, after which the Whites could turn to Guehi, who would be a more than satisfactory alternative.
For now, it remains to be seen how Real Madrid will approach the situation with Konaté and Guehi, but given that at least one of Antonio Rudiger or David Alaba is expected to leave next summer, it is almost certain that a new central defender will arrive in their place.
