Transfer Tussle Looms for Elite Defenders
Liverpool and Real Madrid are poised for a major head-to-head confrontation in the 2026 transfer market, with both European giants targeting new central defenders. The situation is particularly urgent for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who find themselves short on options at the back after a failed deadline day move and a significant injury.
Liverpool's Defensive Dilemma
The Reds saw a proposed £35 million deal for Marc Guehi collapse on transfer deadline day. Their defensive resources were dealt a further blow when summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury. This leaves the squad relying heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with Joe Gomez as the primary backup.
Manager Arne Slot has indicated that a January move for Guehi is unlikely. Compounding Liverpool's challenge, Crystal Palace would prefer to lose their captain for free in the summer rather than accept a mid-season fee. This stance opens the door for foreign clubs, who can legally discuss pre-contract agreements with Guehi as early as January 2026.
A Crowded Market for Free Agents
The upcoming summer presents a unique scenario, with several high-profile centre-backs seeing their contracts expire on June 30, 2026. Alongside Guehi and Konate, this list includes Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano and Real Madrid's own defensive duo, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
According to reports from The Times, Real Madrid are focusing their efforts on signing free agents because they are reluctant to pay a transfer fee for a new defender. This strategy is influenced by their £50 million summer signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and the emergence of promising 18-year-old talent Joan Martínez.
Crystal Palace are fully aware that Guehi will not sign a new contract and will depart as a free agent. As a proven England international and Premier League performer, the 24-year-old is in a powerful position and may have his pick of top clubs. While previous reports from AS suggested Real Madrid might struggle to meet his salary and signing-on fee demands, his quality could persuade them otherwise. The presence of fellow Englishmen Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabéu could also be a persuasive factor.
Bayern Munich have already established their interest, with sporting director Christoph Freund speaking to Palace manager Oliver Glasner and director of sport Max Eberl meeting Guehi's representatives in Munich.
Meanwhile, the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool adds another layer of intrigue. Should the French defender not extend his deal, he too will become a highly sought-after free agent, potentially forcing Liverpool into the market to replace a key player while also pursuing their primary target.
Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, who is also refusing to sign a new contract, has emerged as a potential alternative defensive target for Liverpool, illustrating the fluid and competitive nature of the upcoming market.
