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Marc Guehi has doubts about Liverpool move, considering 2026 Bosman move to Barcelona, Real Madrid

Marc Guehi is reportedly unconvinced by Liverpool switch as he considers a Bosman move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Marc Guehi this summer have hit a stumbling block, with the Crystal Palace defender reportedly hesitant about making the move to Anfield despite strong interest from the Premier League champions.

The 24-year-old centre-back, entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, has emerged as a key defensive target for Liverpool, especially with Jarell Quansah set to complete his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. Guehi, with his blend of Premier League experience, international pedigree, and composure on the ball, ticks all the right boxes for the Anfield hierarchy as they look to refresh their backline.

However, Football Insider reports that Guehi harbours “concerns” over immediate playing time at Liverpool. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate currently the first-choice centre-back pairing, the England international is said to be wary of a potential rotational role that could hinder his momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Rather than rush into a move, Guehi is reportedly open to the idea of running down his contract at Palace, which would allow him to leave as a free agent next summer. Such a scenario could pave the way for a high-profile Bosman switch to European giants like Real Madrid or Barcelona, both clubs understood to be monitoring his situation closely.

Liverpool’s interest in Guehi isn’t sudden. The club has long admired his leadership, positional awareness, and reliability under pressure. With Van Dijk ageing and Konate’s fast-expiring contract a recurring worry, the Reds see Guehi as the ideal successor to step into a more prominent role, if not immediately, then certainly in the near future.

Other English clubs are also circling. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Newcastle have all been linked, with some even submitting unsuccessful bids last summer. But Liverpool remain firmly in the mix, confident that their long-term sporting project under Arne Slot will appeal to Guehi if he chooses to prioritise development over guaranteed minutes.

Guehi has made 115 appearances for Crystal Palace since joining in 2021 and has now earned 23 caps for England. An experienced defender, he has proven his capability as a leader as well by leading Palace to their maiden FA Cup win in 2024-25.

Liverpool must tread carefully here. While Guehi’s hesitation is understandable given the timing of the World Cup, a move to Anfield would offer far more than just prestige, it would place him at the heart of a trophy-hungry team in need of fresh defensive blood. If Guehi is serious about becoming a world-class defender, there’s arguably no better learning ground than Liverpool, under pressure and on the biggest stage. It’s a gamble to wait, one that could see Liverpool move on to the next big name.

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