Atleti Join European Giants in Race for Crystal Palace Star Guéhi
Matteo Moretto reveals Atlético Madrid have made contact for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, joining Barcelona, Bayern and Premier League clubs in the pursuit.
Simeone’s Side Eye Palace’s Defensive Rock
Atlético Madrid have thrown their hat into the ring for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, according to transfer guru Matteo Moretto. The 25-year-old England international is attracting attention from Europe’s elite with his contract set to expire in 2026.
The news comes as a bit of a bobby dazzler for Atleti fans, with Moretto confirming the Spanish side have already “contacted his entourage” as they look to bolster their defensive options.
European Heavyweights Circle
Guéhi’s situation has become one of the hottest transfer stories brewing ahead of January, with Moretto highlighting several factors making this a proper tasty saga:
- The defender can begin negotiating with clubs from January as he enters the final 18 months of his deal
- Liverpool nearly secured his signature last summer
- Barcelona have been monitoring his situation closely
- Multiple Premier League clubs remain interested
- Bayern Munich are also in the mix
The surprise entry of Atlético Madrid adds another dimension to what’s shaping up to be a proper European tug-of-war. Mateo Alemany, working behind the scenes at Atleti, appears determined to muscle in on a deal that will attract continental heavyweights.
Madrid’s Other Transfer Movements
In other transfer developments from the Spanish capital, Moretto revealed Real Madrid have withdrawn from the race for Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, focusing instead on extending Antonio Rüdiger’s contract.
The Italian journalist also disclosed that Los Blancos are keen to finalise an agreement in January to bring Nico Paz back from Como in June, despite the young talent likely receiving “many offers” following his impressive performances in Italy.
Italian Insights
Moretto provided additional transfer nuggets from Serie A, including:
- Rafael Leao in advanced talks with AC Milan over a contract extension until 2030 or 2031
- Inter currently holding “a bit more financial strength” than their city rivals
- Both Milan clubs planning a new shared stadium, likely in a different area of the city
For Atleti supporters, however, the potential pursuit of Guéhi represents an ambitious move to secure one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. Whether they can compete financially with the Premier League vultures remains to be seen, but they’re clearly not shy about mixing it with the big boys in the transfer market.