‘Ultimate professional’ reportedly pledges to join Liverpool as Real Madrid links dismissed

A player widely praised as the “ultimate professional” has reportedly pledged to join Liverpool, with talk of Real Madrid’s interest now being dismissed.

Despite Liverpool’s careful spending during the summer transfer window, they narrowly missed out on signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace when the deal fell through on deadline day.

The Palace captain, who has just eight months left on his current deal, continues to be at the centre of speculation about his future. Manager Oliver Glasner has even admitted that the 25-year-old “will leave next year.”

Guehi said to have “given his word” to Liverpool

In his Liverpool Confidential column for Mail Sport, Lewis Steele provided an update on the situation, writing that:

“Reds target Marc Guehi – the Crystal Palace captain who was nearly a Liverpool player on deadline day – has been linked with Real Madrid over a free transfer next summer. The Spanish club have played down those reports.
Guehi remains on Liverpool’s list for a future signing, and sources in Madrid claim he has given his word to join the Premier League champions.”

Could the move finally happen in 2026?

Liverpool supporters may remain cautious after the failed summer deal, but it seems Guehi’s desire to move to Anfield hasn’t faded.

TEAMtalk recently quoted journalist Dean Jones as saying that the defender “is still interested” in playing for the Reds — a stance reinforced by claims that he’s promised to join Arne Slot’s side in 2026.

While Liverpool may face competition from clubs abroad who can negotiate a pre-contract from January, Guehi’s professionalism and loyalty — praised by Alan Shearer — suggest he’s not one to go back on his word.

Scepticism will persist until he’s officially unveiled at Anfield, but if reports from Spain are true, there’s now a realistic chance that Marc Guehi’s long-anticipated move to Merseyside could soon become a reality.