Goodbye to Real Madrid: Guardiola Urges City to Sign Him in January to Avoid a Free Move to the Bernabéu
Real Madrid have already begun shaping their plans for next season as 2026 approaches, and the club remains committed to the calm, measured approach that defines Florentino Pérez and his inner circle. The priority is clear: at least one centre-back and a midfielder for the summer. However, no scenario is being ruled out—especially if the injury crisis in defence continues.
That said, Madrid could face fresh competition from Manchester City in their pursuit of one of their defensive targets. According to reports, City have entered the race for Marc Guéhi and may even try to sign him this January, potentially blocking a free transfer to the Bernabéu in the summer.
Guardiola Pushes for Reinforcements
According to the BBC, Pep Guardiola has requested a new centre-back from City’s hierarchy, and the club may have already made direct contact with the Crystal Palace defender. Guéhi’s contract expires at the end of the current season, but City’s defensive emergency could accelerate the move—even though the player, of Ivorian descent, holds British nationality.
Guardiola’s concern has intensified following recent injuries to Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias during City’s frustrating 1–1 draw with Chelsea last Sunday. The Catalan coach is keen to avoid further complications at the back.
Madrid Turn to Guéhi After Other Options Fade
Real Madrid have reportedly focused more closely on Guéhi in recent days after ruling out moves for Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano. Both defenders see their contracts expire in June—Konaté with Liverpool and Upamecano with Bayern Munich—but excessive financial demands have cooled Madrid’s interest.
In Konaté’s case, his dip in form this season at Anfield has also weighed heavily. After being a defensive rock last year and a key figure in Arne Slot’s title-winning Premier League side, his performances have lacked the same consistency.
A Multi-Club Battle for Guéhi
Real Madrid and Manchester City are not alone. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are also monitoring Guéhi closely. The 25-year-old, Crystal Palace captain, stands out for his pace, leadership, and composure in build-up play—qualities Madrid value highly, especially amid concerns over ball progression at the back.
Guéhi is also comfortable carrying the ball forward and pressing high, traits that fit modern defensive demands. Liverpool were already interested last summer, but Palace coach Oliver Glasner threatened to resign if the defender left. No agreement was reached with the Reds either.
Decisive Weeks Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Guéhi’s next destination. What seems certain is that a fierce battle is brewing for the defender, who has already logged 2,652 minutes this season, missing just one match due to an ankle injury.
“I think Marc will stay until the end of the season,” Glasner said recently—a comment that may well have been aimed at cooling City’s growing interest.
Whether that stance holds firm could decide whether Guéhi ends up at the Bernabéu, the Etihad, or elsewhere.
