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Marc Guehi captained Crystal Palace when they won the Community Shield against Liverpool in August In 34 days, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will be free to complete a move to a European club when his contract expires on 30 June. The 25-year-old can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January 2026. Liverpool missed the chance to buy the England centre-back for £35m in the summer. The transfer saga, which lasted throughout the window, ended when Palace were unable to sign a suitable replacement - a decision driven by manager Oliver Glasner. It meant the south London club missed out on a significant fee for the defender with only one year left on his contract, but retained their talisman after losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal a week earlier. Liverpool remain keen to revive their pursuit, though there are no guarantees the move will materialise. The defender now has other options and it is understood top clubs in Europe have already registered an interest. Guehi, though, is not the only high-profile centre-back who might be available on a free transfer next summer. Liverpool's own Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of his contract, potentially following in the footsteps of former defensive partner Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, reports on Friday morning suggested Real Madrid have ended their apparent pursuit, with BBC Sport unaware of any concrete interest. His uncertain future has been widely cited as a factor for his poor form. Real Madrid could lose defenders Antonio Rudiger, 32, and David Alaba, 33, this summer with both about to enter the final seven months of their contracts. It leaves Guehi and Dayot Upamecano as options if they are to enter the free market to strengthen at centre-back - a strategy they have used several times in recent seasons. Real Madrid do hold an interest in Marc Guehi and he fits a clear squad need at centre-back. Dean Huijsen has emerged as a starter, but Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have both had injury issues. Rudiger is now in his thirties, Raul Asencio has not fully convinced and David Alaba has lost pace after a long spell on the sidelines. Guehi, a proven Premier League defender with personality, speed and plenty of good decisions, is seen as the kind of stabilising presence who can challenge immediately for minutes. His case sits alongside Madrid's broader market strategy: three kinds of deals. First, the young talent who can grow into a superstar. Second, the 'free' but established player, where heavy signing-on fees replace transfer costs (the case of Guehi next summer). And third, the big-fee signing reserved for specific players viewed as instant starters. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Norris third as title rival Piastri takes Qatar sprint pole Championship: Placheta strikes to restore Oxford's lead over Ipswich Have Liverpool missed out on chance to sign Guehi? A festive favourite to spark your Christmas spirit Miquita and Jordan chat all things friendship and lighting The Aussie detective series returns One of the most infamous brawls in sports history What's going on with fan disorder at European games? 766 and all that - when Cook conquered Australia 'Cherry-picked' or deserving? Why Pimblett got UFC title shot 'Farke probably feels like he is up to his neck in muck' The rise of Bayern's 'special' teen Karl who 'plays Messi style' How world's best are spearheading British doubles boom Mc Laren had 'porpoising concern' during Las Vegas GP Are 'immense' Arsenal most formidable team in Europe? 'More identity' - Frank takes heart from Spurs defeat at PSG Inside Mc Laren's season - the rules, values, incidents & relationships Is batting getting harder in Australia? Captivating but confusing - what state is international rugby in? What next for friendly foes who see each other 'more than family'? Three Boks, four Englishmen - who makes Opta's team of the autumn? A Grand Slam should be seen as 'stepping stone' - Dawson column 'Johnny who? Why Keefer's rise is posing world ranking questions' Sports Personality of the Year set for 18 December Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.