Barcelona have reportedly intensified contact for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi amid growing competition from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The England international, whose deal runs until 2026, was close to joining Liverpool in the summer but a collapsed transfer could now trigger a full-scale bidding war across Europe.
Barca join Bayern in Guehi chase
Barca have stepped up talks for Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi as competition heats up between several European giants. According to , Bayern have already held discussions with the defender’s camp, exploring a possible free transfer in 2026 once his contract expires.
However, claims Barca have accelerated contact with Guehi’s representatives after learning of Bayern’s growing interest. Liverpool, who were close to landing the England international last summer, and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation closely.
Guehi, 25, is valued at around €45 million (£39m/$53m), though Crystal Palace may be forced to sell at a reduced fee in January to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.
AdvertisementGettyBayern lead race but others closing in
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl has reportedly identified Guehi as a potential long-term replacement depending on the futures of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. reports that the Bavarian club’s interest hinges on whether either of their current defenders depart next summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have not abandoned their pursuit, the Reds reached an advanced agreement with Palace in the final hours of the last transfer window before the London club abruptly pulled the plug due to their failure to find a replacement.
Guehi’s proposed move was so close that, the player had reportedly recorded a farewell video for Palace fans and even had a private jet booked to Merseyside before the club halted the transfer.
Guehi’s rise from Chelsea to England regular
Born in the Ivory Coast but raised in England, Guehi joined Chelsea’s academy at seven before moving to Crystal Palace in 2021 after an impressive loan spell at Swansea City. Since then, he has made over 150 appearances for the Eagles and developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders.
The 25-year-old right-footed centre-back is admired for his composure, and leadership, qualities that have made him a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, where he has been capped 23 times.
He also played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, further enhancing his international reputation. His maturity and tactical awareness have made him an appealing option for clubs rebuilding their defensive lines.
Why Guehi fits Flick’s rebuild
For Hansi Flick’s Barca, the focus this season has been on rebuilding the defensive core after the departure of Inigo Martinez, and their recent defense woes. Although the Catalans initially sought a left-footed centre-back, sporting director Deco is believed to be open to signing versatile defenders with top-level experience.
Guehi’s adaptability and strong ball-playing ability make him a viable candidate, especially with financial constraints limiting Barca’s options in the market. His potential availability for a reduced fee, or even on a free in 2026, fits perfectly within the club’s evolving recruitment model.
The Premier League defender’s ability to read transitions and maintain high defensive lines could also suit Flick’s pressing system, offering a blend of athleticism and composure under pressure.