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Football Insider

Hot Transfer News: Marc Guehi's European Odyssey Begins?

Rising star Marc Guehi looks set to embark on a new chapter in his career as he prepares for pivotal talks with Bayern Munich. The Crystal Palace defender's decision to let his contract run down until 2026 has sparked interest from top clubs across Europe, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for his signature. Read on for an exclusive insight into the unfolding transfer saga.

Hot Transfer News: Marc Guehi's European Odyssey Begins?

Marc Guehi is reportedly set for a fresh round of talks with Bayern Munich after his agent met with club chief Max Eberl. The Crystal Palace centre-back will run down his contract until the summer of 2026. Guehi has already informed Palace that he will not sign an extension, effectively guaranteeing a summer exit and triggering a battle among Europe's elite.Liverpool came close to signing Guehi last summer, only for Palace to pull the plug on deadline day when they failed to secure a replacement. The collapse of the £35 million ($46.6m) move dramatically changed the 25-year-old's future, and with his deal winding down, clubs know he could walk for free in 2026. With the window for pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs opening on January 1, Bayern intend to open talks. According to Sky Sports, Eberl plans to meet Guehi as soon as he becomes eligible to negotiate freely.Earlier in the campaign, when asked about Bayern's discussion with Guehi's representatives, Eberl told DAZN: "It's absolutely clear that we as Bayern Munich are exploring the market. Our clear goal is to extend Upa's [Dayot Upamecano] contract. That's our ultimate goal. If that doesn't work out, we have to be prepared. We would be foolish not to. That's the reason. I've not confirmed anything, but we are active in the market."Palace boss Oliver Glasner has already revealed that the Eagles will have to reluctantly part ways with the defender next summer: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal. And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."According to an earlier report in The Times, Liverpool still view Guehi as a potential heir to Virgil van Dijk, who will be 35 next season. The urgency has increased with Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring in 2026 and other clubs showing interest in the Frenchman. However, the failed move to Anfield appears not to have dented Guehi's admiration for the club. He recently revealed he has taken the disappointment in his stride, leaning on his faith and the support of team-mate Maxence Lacroix.He told Sky Sports: "I think everyone has this perception that it was difficult. Actually, it wasn't difficult. It wasn't difficult at all. Because when you're focused on what's the most important thing, it becomes easy. I know that God has a plan for me, and whatever that plan will be, will come into fruition at some point. But, the goal and the focus has always been playing football and trying to do the best I can. And fortunately for me, I get to do it with people like Max."Pep Guardiola is said to have been impressed by Guehi’s professionalism after seeing how he responded to the breakdown of the Liverpool transfer. Despite City’s deep pool of centre-backs, uncertainty surrounds the futures of several key figures. John Stones, now 31, remains injury-prone, while Ruben Dias has shown signs of a physical decline. City have already begun preparing for the next phase of Guardiola’s defensive rebuild, and Guehi is seen as a player capable of competing for a starting role immediately.Real Madrid are also in the market for defensive reinforcements, but with president Florentino Perez reluctant to sanction another nine-figure signing, Los Blancos are studying the free-agent landscape. Guehi’s name sits prominently alongside Upamecano and Konate on their list of potential arrivals. Madrid are preparing to lose both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba when their contracts expire in June. Last summer’s signing of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen was the first step in what will be a sweeping reshaping of the back line. Guehi, available without a transfer fee in 2026 and with relatively modest wages compared with elite continental defenders, fits the club’s model.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingGuehi's contract situation has placed him at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving multiple European giants. For now, his focus remains on Palace and on Man City, whom he will face on Sunday in the Premier League.

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Bayern Munich Ready to Make Their Move

Marc Guehi is on the radar of Bayern Munich, with club chief Max Eberl reportedly planning to hold talks with the defender as soon as he becomes eligible for pre-contract negotiations. The Bavarian giants are eyeing Guehi as a potential reinforcement for their defensive line, as they aim to secure the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano while keeping their options open in the transfer market.

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Liverpool's Lingering Interest

Liverpool's pursuit of Marc Guehi is far from over, with the Reds still viewing the talented centre-back as a successor to Virgil van Dijk. Despite a failed move last summer, Liverpool remains keen on Guehi's services, especially with uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate's future. The club sees Guehi as a key target for the upcoming seasons, emphasizing his potential impact at Anfield.

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The Guardiola Factor

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly been impressed by Marc Guehi's handling of the transfer saga, viewing the defender as a valuable addition to his squad. With City looking to refresh their defensive options and facing uncertainties with their current backline, Guehi could offer a compelling solution. Guardiola sees potential in Guehi's abilities and professionalism, making him a target for the Premier League champions.

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Real Madrid's Calculated Move

Real Madrid, known for their strategic approach to transfers, are monitoring Marc Guehi closely as they plan for defensive reinforcements. With key players set to depart, including Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, Madrid sees Guehi as an attractive option given his contractual situation and the cost-effective nature of his potential arrival. The Spanish giants are positioning themselves to secure Guehi's services amidst increasing competition from other European rivals.

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A Transfer Saga Unfolds

With multiple top clubs vying for his signature, Marc Guehi finds himself at the center of a high-profile transfer saga that could define his future. As the young defender continues to impress on the field, his contractual status has piqued the interest of Europe's elite, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for his services. Stay tuned as Guehi's European odyssey unfolds, with twists and turns expected in the coming months.

Published on Dec 12, 2025