We know how good the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus are at landing free agents, Pete O'Rourke said on Football Insider. They do specialise in that, to try and sign players on free transfers, usually with the offer of a huge signing-on fee as well. Obviously it's hard to compete with the likes of Real Madrid when it comes to signing [under-contract] players as well.
During the closing stages of the recent summer transfer window, the 25-year-old came agonisingly close to completing a high-profile switch to Anfield. Reports confirmed that Guehi had even undergone medical tests with Arne Slot's side, only for the move to collapse at the final hurdle. Palace were unable to recruit a replacement in time, forcing manager Oliver Glasner to block the sale.
Despite the United captain having already turned down approaches from Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, SPL clubs are intent on signing the 30-year-old in the summer of 2026. Al Hilal had been willing to offer £80 million, but Fernandes decided that it was best to stay at Old Trafford in the lead-up to next year's FIFA World Cup.
Barcelona are ready to enter the race to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer with Liverpool and Real Madrid already interested in the 25-year-old. (Sport - in Spanish), external Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, 28, attracted interest from both Crystal Palace and Brighton on transfer deadline day but the England international stayed at Anfield as the Premier League champions failed in their bid to sign Guehi. (Football Insider, external)
