Liverpool's plan to sign Marc Guéhi and 'Snatch him' from Real Madrid

One of the most talked-about last-minute failures in the 2025 summer transfer market is the signing of Marc Guéhi. The defender, who was born in Ivory Coast, was in Liverpool's sights for several weeks: the deal was set to become a reality.

However, some unexpected setbacks have sent the defender back to Selhurst Park. It doesn't seem like he will stay there for long, given the interest from the European football elite in acquiring his services, especially because his contract ends this season. His signing as a free agent is the deal that many clubs constantly "dream" about.

Especially Liverpool itself, which had the chance to solve this saga ahead of time. Now it faces interest from competitors like Real Madrid: the white executives intend to add talent on a free transfer to replace David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger. One of its targets, in addition to Ibrahima Konaté, is Guéhi himself.

With the glazier footballer still on its shortlist, sources from the British Isles warn that the red bosses intend to include Marc Guéhi in Arne Slot's squad. They wouldn't wait until the summer of 2026; instead, they would act mid-season, seeking a lightning signing during next year's winter transfer window.

More than interesting option

That move would cost, according to multiple sources consulted by Defensa Central, about €25 million (about $27 million). This is nothing like the amount Crystal Palace was asking to complete the deal a few weeks ago. In fact, Liverpool was required to pay double that amount, about €50 million (about $54 million), to complete Marc Guéhi's team change.

The executives led by Florentino Pérez wouldn't be willing to confirm the arrival of the Ivorian footballer mid-season. Following its particular roadmap, the white negotiators would seek to formalize a pre-agreement with the player and his entourage, committing to run out his contract and ignore other offers.

Liverpool's drive to complete a signing in which they failed during the summer of 2025 keeps Real Madrid on alert. From the Valdebebas offices, they show a certain interest in the Crystal Palace player, but the true targets for the Madrid defense have been defined for a long time.

Indeed, Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba, with the hypothetical addition of Dayot Upamecano to that list as a "plan B," are the ones chosen by the white team. The signing of Marc Guéhi is a market opportunity that the white club will follow closely... but will abandon if the conditions for its completion aren't strictly ideal for the sporting management.