Real Madrid is poised to disrupt Barcelona’s transfer plans, eyeing a top target to bolster their squad in a bold 2026 move.
The Catalan giants, keen to bolster their backline amid ongoing financial recalibrations, have been aggressively pursuing a standout talent whose contract situation makes him an attractive free-agent option for 2026.
However, the latest developments suggest that their plans could be derailed by a familiar foe, with the allure of the Santiago Bernabeu proving a significant hurdle.
This transfer tussle underscores the fierce rivalry between Spain’s footballing titans, as both clubs vie for supremacy in the market.
According to Florian Plettenberg, the player in question is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, who is reportedly prioritizing a move to Real Madrid over Barcelona.
The 25-year-old England international, whose contract with Palace expires next summer, has also drawn interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona had identified Guéhi as a prime target to reinforce their defense, especially with uncertainties surrounding veterans like Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the emergence of younger options like Pau Cubarsi.
Yet, Plettenberg notes that Guéhi is “waiting to see whether Real Madrid make a move,” signaling a preference for the reigning La Liga champions.
This development is a blow to Barcelona, which is navigating a delicate financial landscape while aiming to maintain its competitive edge under Hansi Flick.
Guéhi’s versatility, composure, and Premier League experience make him an ideal fit for their high-line system, but Real Madrid’s global pull and recent success could tip the scales.
With no transfer fee required, the race for Guéhi hinges on prestige and project appeal, areas where Madrid’s recent Champions League triumphs give them an edge.
Barcelona’s pursuit isn’t over, but they’ll need to outmaneuver their rivals’ charm offensive.
As the 2026 window looms, this saga epitomizes the high-stakes chess game of transfers, with Guéhi’s decision poised to ripple across La Liga’s power balance.
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