Barcelona ‘seriously involved’ in battle for central defender

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi will be available on a free transfer in three months, and Europe’s top clubs are queueing up to ensure that they provide the next paper for his signature. The England international appears to have decided to move on from Crystal Palace.

Guehi was expected to sign for Liverpool after a €35m deal was agreed with the Reds at the end of the summer transfer window. However Palace pulled out of the deal at the last minute, irritating Guehi in the process. It has thrown his future in the air.

Barcelona ‘seriously involved’ in Guehi pursuit

Transfer expert Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Barcelona are ”seriously involved’ in the race for Guehi. Previously it has been reported that the 25-year-old was of interest to the Catalan giants, but no more than that.

🚨🆕 FC Bayern are already looking concretely at Marc #Guéhi. Max Eberl is a big admirer, and initial talks with the player’s representatives have already taken place.

Bayern are interested in a free transfer in 2026, but that depends on what happens with Upamecano/Kim.

⚠️… pic.twitter.com/0IdTAxY1Vf

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 6, 2025

Plettenberg also confirms that Real Madrid and Liverpool are also in the race for Guehi. They too have been looking at central defenders, with doubts over whom they will go for, as they also hold an interest in Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. As things stand, both are out of contract next summer too.

Bayern Munich competition for Guehi

Bayern are also on the trail of the Palace captain, and have held opening talks with his agents, as per Plettenberg. Sporting Director Max Eberl is a fan of his, but their next moves will hinge on the outcome of Kim Min-Jae and Upamecano’s futures.

Dani Olmo’s poor form is becoming a real concern. The midfielder struggled again in Sevilla, barely influencing the attack despite playing in a key creative role. Flick continues to trust him, but Olmo looks far from his best physically and mentally. @sergidejuan9

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 6, 2025

More teams than free agent names

Three big names are set to be available as things stand, while there are a minimum of four teams that appear to be looking at bringing at least one of them in, or in the cases of Liverpool and Bayern, perhaps retaining Konate and Upamecano. Both of Spain’s Clasico duo will be in need of a signing, and will no doubt feel well-placed to bring in at least one of the names mentioned above.