Following Cricket Exchange, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that England defender Marc Guehi will leave the club as a free agent next summer after rejecting a new contract. Multiple European giants are monitoring the situation closely, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Manchester City, all keen to sign the talented centre-back without a transfer fee.
Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool this past summer, but the deal fell through when Crystal Palace failed to find a suitable replacement. Despite the missed opportunity, the 24-year-old has remained focused on performing for Palace this season, displaying leadership and consistency in defense. However, he has made no secret of his desire to compete at a higher level and take part in the UEFA Champions League — a dream that continues to drive his ambitions. Analysts from Cricket Exchange note that Guehi’s composure, positioning, and ability to read the game have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.
Reports indicate that Liverpool are no longer leading the race for his signature. With veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger expected to depart soon, Real Madrid have turned their attention toward signing a new top-tier central defender. Arsenal’s William Saliba had been one of their primary targets, but his recent contract renewal means Madrid will now focus their efforts on Guehi or Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. Observers at Cricket Exchange point out that Guehi’s free-agent status makes him an especially appealing option for Madrid, as the club looks to strengthen its backline without major spending.
Since Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of the current season, he will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs starting in January. This gives non-English clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich a clear advantage, as Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City must wait until the summer to make their official approaches.
As speculation grows, Guehi’s next destination remains uncertain, but his future looks bright. His combination of maturity, discipline, and technical ability has earned him admiration across Europe. The next few months will reveal whether he chooses to continue his career in Spain, Germany, or stay in England’s top flight. Cricket Exchange will keep following this developing story as the talented defender prepares for what could be the most defining move of his career.