Western media: Real Madrid misses Guei: The battle for the top central defender, Liverpool and Bayern lead the way

Marque Guei, the 25-year-old England international center back who was born in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, is gradually staying away from the sight of Madrid, the Spanish capital. As one of the best central defenders in the Premier League this season, his future is more likely to stay within the "Big Six" rather than crossing the English Channel to join Real Madrid.

Currently, Liverpool has become the favorite to sign Guei. However, this deal will not be easy - Gueye's value is rising with his outstanding performance at Crystal Palace. He himself also knows that this may be the most important springboard for his career and he will never miss it easily.

The contract is approaching, and free agency is a bargaining chip.

Guey's contract with Crystal Palace will expire in June 2026, and he has made it clear that he will not renew it. This means that he will become one of the most sought-after "sign-free gems" in the transfer market next summer. Since the start of this season, his name has frequently appeared on the recruitment lists of many European giants, and Real Madrid has also seriously considered him as a replacement for Konate, Upamecano or Saliba (the latter has signed a new contract with Arsenal).

However, the reality has discouraged Real Madrid: Guey's requirements for salary and signing fees are extremely high, far exceeding Real Madrid's current salary structure and signing budget. Against a backdrop of increasingly tight fiscal discipline, this deal has become almost impossible.

The strength is obvious to all: FA Cup hero, impressive statistics

Guey's rise is not accidental. He is not only the core of Crystal Palace's defensive system this season, but also a key contributor to the team's historic victory in the FA Cup and Community Shield (equivalent to the Spanish Super Cup). Defeating a sluggish Manchester City at Wembley Stadium was Palace's most glorious moment in recent years, and Gueye was one of the heroes of that victory.

According to BeSoccer data, Guey is the second most stable central defender in the Premier League this season:

played 17 times (the most in the team);

the success rate of ground duels is as high as 73%;

the success rate of aerial duels is 57%;

averaging 9.84 ball recoveries and 2.76 clearances per game.

At only 25 years old, his growth curve is still rising, and he has both potential and immediate combat ability.

Future destination: Aiming to compete for the championship, Liverpool is the most suitable.

Guey himself hopes to choose his next club carefully. According to his current coach Oliver Glasner: "He wants something different." But the "different" here does not mean leaving the top stage, but pursuing a higher level of competition, competing for important trophies, and gaining international recognition commensurate with his strength.

Under this standard, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have taken the lead.

Anfield is his most desired destination. Last summer, he was close to joining the Red Army coached by Slott, but Crystal Palace temporarily suspended the transaction because they failed to find a reliable replacement in time, which even gave Glasner the idea of ​​​​resigning. Now, if Jorgei joins, he will directly replace Konate, who may leave the team - and Konate himself is precisely the key target of Real Madrid.

Bayern is also paying close attention. If Kim Min-jae eventually leaves the team, Guey will be an ideal candidate to strengthen Bayern's defense. With strong financial resources and clear team building plans, the Bundesliga giants are fully capable of joining this battle.

However, it is difficult to reach a conclusion in this transfer tug-of-war in the short term. There is a high probability that Guey will not make a final decision until at least January 2026. For now, he is still focused on Crystal Palace's current tasks - the team is competing in the Europa League and fighting for a European spot in the Premier League. For him, this is the last act of loyalty and reward for his old club.