Liverpool’s summer transfer pursuit of Marc Guehi appeared destined to succeed until the very last hours of deadline day. As Mirror reported, Crystal Palace blocked the £35 million move after failing to bring in a replacement, leaving the England international in limbo. Now, Guehi’s focus has shifted to a potential free transfer to Real Madrid, a development that threatens to deal Arne Slot’s side a significant blow.

According to Mirror Sport, Guehi has “told his advisors that his heart is set on a move to Real Madrid after an agreement to join Liverpool collapsed at the 11th hour.” The 25-year-old is poised to run down his contract at Selhurst Park, with clubs outside England able to begin pre-contract discussions in January.

The situation creates a problem for Liverpool because Ibrahima Konaté has already rejected a new deal. Madrid are reportedly interested in both defenders, raising the possibility that Guehi and Konaté could link up in La Liga next season.

Arne Slot addressed the matter with measured words, revealing his own frustration while showing empathy for Guehi. “For us it was of course a disappointment, for the player I assume, as well, because he was expecting to come to us,” Slot told Sky Sports.

He added: “I try to put myself in the player’s shoes, but that can happen with a player from us as well, maybe a player wanted to leave but in the end couldn’t because we couldn’t get a player we wanted, that happens in football many times.”

Slot’s remarks highlight the reality of transfer business. Even champions of England are not immune to late setbacks when rival clubs dig their heels in.

The failed pursuit of Guehi leaves Liverpool planning for uncertainty in central defence. Palace’s captain had been viewed as a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk and a key part of Slot’s plans to refresh the back line. With Konaté’s future unresolved and Joe Gomez constantly linked with a move away, the Reds now face the prospect of losing two prime targets in one swoop.

Mirror’s report underlines that “hopes that the deal would be resurrected either in January or next summer when Guehi’s own contract ends are poised to be shattered.” If Madrid do strike early, Liverpool may be forced back into the market for alternative solutions in 2026.

What adds sting to the tale is how close Liverpool came to securing Guehi. Mirror confirmed that “Guehi’s number one choice is to move to the Bernabeu and snub Liverpool despite being agonisingly close to joining them on September 1st.” For supporters, that line will be particularly painful. Liverpool had identified their man, funds were in place, yet the move collapsed due to factors beyond Anfield’s control.

As Liverpool supporters, this development feels like another reminder that football can be cruel. Marc Guehi would have been a perfect addition to Arne Slot’s title-winning squad. His composure, leadership qualities and ability to handle pressure were exactly what we needed with Konaté’s contract unresolved.

The idea of Guehi and Konaté both ending up at Real Madrid is unsettling. Supporters know Madrid’s pulling power is unrivalled, yet Liverpool had given Guehi the chance to become a cornerstone of our defence for years to come. That said, the fact he was “agonisingly close to joining” suggests the club had the right plan, even if circumstances robbed us of success.

Arne Slot has already shown that he can deliver the Premier League title in his debut season, so trust in his judgement is well placed. The disappointment of missing Guehi might be turned into motivation for the recruitment team to move fast in identifying other targets who fit our style and ambition.

Anfield has always been a place where defenders thrive, and whoever steps into that role will have the chance to write themselves into Liverpool folklore. Losing out on Guehi hurts, but it should not diminish the confidence supporters feel in Slot’s project. If anything, it highlights that Liverpool remain at the top table of football, battling the likes of Real Madrid for world-class talent.