Real Madrid already has several reinforcements in defense. Among them, Dean Huijsen has shown good signs in his first matches. However, Xabi Alonso isn't entirely convinced.
He believes that the team needs more options. Rotation becomes key in light of Éder Militão's and Antonio Rüdiger's injuries. That's why the coach is looking to strengthen the backline with a player who can make an immediate impact and has long-term potential.
Marc Guehi enters the radar
The name most talked about in the club's sporting management is Marc Guehi. Captain of Crystal Palace and a 25-year-old English center-back, Guehi has played over 100 matches in the Premier League since 2021. His game combines anticipation, leadership, and clean distribution from the back, qualities that Xabi Alonso especially values.
Real Madrid is closely monitoring him. According to the English press, Real Madrid could try to sign Guehi in January, since he doesn't plan to renew with Palace. This would open a window for the club to get ahead of competitors like Liverpool.
Liverpool's blockade
This isn't the first time Guehi has been on the radar of a major English club. On September 1, Liverpool was close to signing him. However, Crystal Palace stopped the deal.
Its president, Steve Parish, demanded guarantees of a replacement before letting its captain leave. Even Oliver Glasner, the English club's coach, threatened to resign if the club allowed the defender to leave without a replacement.
Guehi's frustration was notable. He had already given the green light to leave and was forced to stay, thus delaying one of the most desired transfers of the season.
A bet on the present and the future
For Real Madrid, Marc Guehi isn't just another option; his arrival would guarantee rotation and stability in defense. In addition, with his youth and leadership, he also ensures long-term continuity. Xabi Alonso and the sporting management believe that, compared to alternatives like Ibrahima Konaté, Guehi could offer a more complete and versatile profile.
It's estimated that the signing could cost between €60 and €70 million (about $65 million and $76 million). The club trusts that the player's contractual situation will make negotiations easier, as long as Crystal Palace keeps its firm stance.
The interest in Guehi also responds to the strategy of getting ahead of Liverpool. The English club will have to wait until the summer of 2026 to try to sign him again. This gives Real Madrid an advantage to secure a top-level center-back before anyone else.