The future of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi is once again in the spotlight, as Bayern Munich prepare to challenge Liverpool for his signature ahead of a possible 2026 exit.
The England defender’s contract with Palace expires in the summer of 2026, and while his departure is now inevitable, the timing — and destination — remain up in the air.
LIVERPOOL FACE NEW THREAT IN LONG-TERM PURSUIT
Liverpool were widely seen as frontrunners to land Guéhi after coming close to sealing a £35 million deal last summer. The 24-year-old reportedly underwent a medical before Palace chairman Steve Parish halted the move on deadline day.
With Giovanni Leoni sidelined through injury, new Reds boss Arne Slot is eager to strengthen his defence — but has suggested the club may wait until the end of the season before making another move. That hesitation could open the door for Bayern to strike first.
BAYERN EYE KANE-STYLE ENGLISH LINK
Over in Germany, Bayern Munich are stepping up their efforts. The Bundesliga champions see Guéhi as a potential long-term solution in defence, with Dayot Upamecano’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
According to Bild, sporting director Christoph Freund has already spoken directly with Palace manager Oliver Glasner about the player’s availability. Sources in Munich claim that Guéhi is not seen as a replacement for Upamecano, but rather an opportunity Bayern don’t want to miss.
BOSMAN BOOST FOR BAYERN
Crucially, Bayern will be free to open formal talks with Guéhi from January 1, under the Bosman ruling, allowing them to negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer move.
Liverpool know the risks well — they recently lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid under similar circumstances — and may be forced to act sooner than planned to avoid a repeat.
Reports suggest Bayern’s Max Eberl, the club’s director of sport, has already met Guéhi’s representatives in Munich. Though the defender was keen on joining Liverpool in the summer, Bayern hope to turn his head with the lure of the Bundesliga and a reunion with fellow England star Harry Kane.
GLASNER CONFIRMS EXIT PLANS
Speaking recently, Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed Guéhi’s intention to move on:
“Marc has already told us that he won’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year,” Glasner said. “The club wanted him to stay and offered him a new deal, but he said no — he wants something different. For us, it’s now about finding the best way to manage this next step.”
CAPTAIN UNTIL THE END
Despite his decision, Guéhi remains fully committed to Palace, continuing to wear the captain’s armband and making 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
Since joining from Chelsea in 2021, he’s been a model professional — and when he eventually departs in 2026, he’ll do so with the full respect and best wishes of everyone at Selhurst Park.