Mansion Sports – Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, with Bayern Munich reportedly taking concrete steps to secure his signature on a free transfer next summer. 

Following a failed move to Liverpool in the final hours of the last transfer window, the England international is now attracting strong interest from several elite clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

According to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have already opened preliminary talks with Guehi’s representatives. 

Sporting director Max Eberl is said to be an admirer of the 24-year-old centre-back, viewing him as an ideal addition to bolster Vincent Kompany’s defensive setup. 

The initial discussions are reportedly aimed at assessing Guehi’s openness to a move to the Bundesliga and signaling Bayern’s serious intent to win the race for his signature.

Expiring Contract Puts Crystal Palace at Risk of Losing Guehi for Free

While Marc Guehi has remained fully professional and has not forced an exit from Crystal Palace, his long-term future at Selhurst Park appears increasingly uncertain. 

His current contract with The Eagles expires at the end of the season, leaving the club in a vulnerable position with little leverage to profit from his departure.

If Palace wish to secure a transfer fee, they must sell him in January — though with only a few months left on his deal, his market value would be significantly reduced. 

Consequently, most major clubs, including Bayern Munich and Barcelona, prefer to wait until the summer when they can sign him on a free transfer.

Starting from January 1, Guehi will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England, paving the way for a free move in July 2026. 

This clause gives Bayern Munich a major advantage over Liverpool, who are restricted by domestic transfer rules within the Premier League.

Fierce Competition Among Europe’s Elite Clubs

Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Marc Guehi adds a new layer of intensity to an already competitive transfer race. 

Liverpool, who came close to sealing the deal last summer, now face renewed pressure from the German champions. 

Meanwhile, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are also closely monitoring the situation as they seek reinforcements in central defense.

At Real Madrid, defensive depth has become a growing concern. David Alaba could potentially depart, while Antonio Rüdiger, now 33, is showing signs of physical decline.

Although Los Blancos signed Dean Huijsen in June, the club continues to seek an experienced centre-back to provide greater stability at the back.

Barcelona find themselves in a comparable position. While Pau Cubarsí has emerged as a promising young talent, the Catalan club still lacks quality depth in defense, particularly with Ronald Araújo’s future uncertain. 

Guehi’s arrival would provide both short-term solidity and long-term security for the Blaugrana’s backline.

Personal Connections Could Play a Key Role for Bayern

Should Marc Guehi choose to join Bayern Munich, the move would not be entirely unfamiliar territory. 

The English defender already shares connections with several individuals at the club, which could ease his transition to life in Germany.

His former Crystal Palace teammate, Michael Olise, completed a move to Bayern in the summer of 2024. 

Guehi is also an international teammate of Bayern captain Harry Kane, while head coach Vincent Kompany — a former Manchester City captain and Burnley manager — is known for a tactical approach that aligns well with Guehi’s style of play.

Additionally, Guehi has faced current Bayern players such as Luis Díaz (who arrived from Liverpool) and Nicolas Jackson (on loan from Chelsea), and he shares indirect ties with Jamal Musiala, as both graduated from Chelsea’s academy system, albeit from different age groups.

Bayern Await Decisions on Upamecano and Kim Min-jae

Despite Bayern’s clear interest, the club’s final decision on Guehi will depend on the futures of their current centre-backs, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. 

Should either defender leave next summer, Bayern are expected to accelerate their move for the Englishman.

However, the Bavarian giants are not the only club in need of defensive reinforcement. Liverpool are facing a centre-back crisis following Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury, while Ibrahima Konaté continues to struggle with fitness issues, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as the only fully fit central defenders.

In Spain, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are similarly in search of defensive stability, making Guehi’s availability particularly attractive. 

With his combination of youth, Premier League experience, and leadership qualities, Marc Guehi stands out as one of the most valuable free agents expected to hit the market next summer.

If Bayern Munich succeed in signing him, they would not only strengthen their defensive core but also demonstrate their ability to outmaneuver Europe’s biggest clubs in the pursuit of top-tier talent.