Marc Guehi, Palace captain, poised to leave as European clubs circle

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has emerged as one of the most sought‑after free agents in European football, with a host of top clubs preparing bids ahead of his contract expiry at the end of the season. The 25 year old England centreback has told Palace he will not sign a new deal, prompting interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan and several other leading clubs. Foreign teams will be able to conclude precontract agreements from January ahead of a potential free transfer in the summer.

Guehi came close to a move to Liverpool in the recent transfer window, undergoing a medical before Palace pulled out of the deal on deadline day. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has said the club expects the defender to depart next year, though a January sale remains a possibility if the club chooses to secure a transfer fee rather than lose him for nothing in the summer. Sources close to the player indicate Guehi prefers to complete any move in the summer as a free agent and is reluctant to leave midseason.

Clubs across Europe have different reasons for targeting Guehi. Real Madrid see him as a long term option to refresh their central...