MARC GUEHI has made it clear to his advisors that his heart is set on a move to Real Madrid, after his last-minute switch to Liverpool fell through.
This could be a blow to Arne Slot’s Premier League champions, with Liverpool already facing the prospect of losing Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer.
Konate is running down his contract, and Real Madrid — along with several other top clubs — are said to be keeping an eye on the situation.
SunSport exclusively reported that Guehi’s £35million move to Anfield collapsed on deadline day when Crystal Palace were unable to find a replacement in time.
Although there had been hopes the deal might be revived in January or next summer, with Guehi’s contract expiring, those plans now seem to be in jeopardy.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to enter talks for the 25-year-old, who has received praise for his composed handling of the transfer saga.
This puts the ball firmly in Guehi’s court. With no transfer fee required next summer, foreign clubs like Real Madrid are free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him in January.
SunSport also exclusively reported that Guehi holds an Ivorian passport, making him particularly attractive to Madrid, as they could sign him as a Spanish national.
His Ivorian passport, which he qualifies for through his father, falls under the Cotonou Agreement.
The agreement allows players with African nationality to be regarded as Spanish nationals, giving them a distinct advantage with La Liga clubs.
Sources close to Guehi have revealed that his top choice is to move to the Spanish giants and turn down Liverpool, despite being so close to a deal just weeks ago.
He is excited by the prospect of playing for Real Madrid and has been encouraged by their interest, especially with the club also targeting Konate, who recently rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool.
The idea of both Guehi and Konate joining forces in La Liga would leave Liverpool high and dry, without two key defensive targets.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who is gearing up for the Reds’ clash with Palace next weekend, expressed sympathy for Guehi after the failed move.
The Liverpool boss said of the failed transfer: “Of course, it was a disappointment for us, and I assume for the player as well, because he was expecting to come to us.
“I try to put myself in the player’s shoes. But this kind of thing happens in football.
“It’s a situation that can occur with any player—you want to bring someone in but can’t, and that’s just the way it goes.”
Guehi has since kept his head down and got on with playing for both Palace and England as he counts down the clock until next summer.
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