Marc Guehi wants to play for Real Madrid: why the transfer to Liverpool failed.

According to The Sun: Marc Guehi has made it clear to his advisors that he wants to move to Real after his attempt to join Liverpool did not succeed.

This news could be an unpleasant blow for Premier League champions under Arne Slot, as Liverpool is already at risk of losing Ibrahima Konate, who may leave for free next summer.

Konate also finds himself in a similar situation and may also leave for free next summer.

He will play out his contract, and Real Madrid, along with several other top clubs, is closely monitoring the situation.

According to SunSport, Guehi's £35 million deal with Liverpool fell apart on the last day of the transfer window because Crystal Palace was unable to find a suitable replacement in time.

Although hopes were that the deal could be revisited in January or next summer, given Guehi's contract status, those plans now look to be in jeopardy.

Real Madrid is reportedly ready to begin negotiations with the 25-year-old player, who has received recognition for his calm approach to the transfer situation.

This places Guehi in a favorable position. As a transfer deal is not needed, foreign clubs like Real Madrid can freely enter into a preliminary agreement with him as early as January.

SunSport also noted that Guehi holds an Ivorian passport, making him particularly attractive to the Madrid club, as he can be signed as a Spanish national.

His Ivorian passport, for which he is eligible through his father, falls under the Cotonou agreement.

This agreement allows players with African citizenship to be regarded as Spanish nationals, granting them a significant advantage in La Liga clubs.

Prospects of moving to Real

Sources close to Guehi have reported that his priority remains a move to the Spanish giant, even despite the proximity of the deal with Liverpool a few weeks ago.

The player is thrilled at the prospect of playing for Real Madrid and has received positive feedback regarding their interest, considering the club is also monitoring Konate, who recently rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool.

Liverpool coach's comments

If Guehi and Konate reunite in La Liga, Liverpool will be left without two key targets in defense.

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot, who is preparing for a match against Palace next weekend, expressed sympathy for Guehi after the failed transfer attempt.

“Of course, it was disappointing for us, and I assume for the player as well, as he hoped to join us. I try to put myself in the player's shoes. But such things happen in football. It's a situation that can happen to any player - you want to sign someone, but you can't, and that's just how it goes.”

Guehi, in the meantime, remains focused on playing for Palace and England, awaiting clarification regarding his future next summer.