Marc Guehi: Barcelona's Quiet Plan B to Fortify the Backline
7 October 2025
European Interest and Barcelona’s Interest
Barcelona is actively looking to reinforce its defense and has earmarked Marc Guehi as a leading alternative option. The 25-year-old English defender, developed at Chelsea, has impressed at Crystal Palace and is approaching the expiration of his contract in June 2026. The move would be part of a broader effort to strengthen the back line for upcoming seasons.
Barça's Priorities and the Competition
Guehi, born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, represents England internationally and is seen as a left-footed centre-back with leadership qualities. He joined Crystal Palace in 2021 after a successful loan at Swansea City, with a current market value around €45 million. Palace may face the dilemma of selling him in the January window to avoid losing him for free in 2026.
News from Europe indicates Bayern Munich has begun talks with Guehi’s representatives, under sporting director Max Eberl, in a bid to sign him on a free transfer in 2026. However, this deal would depend on Bayern’s plans for other defenders Daoyu Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, keeping the door open for fierce competition from Barcelona, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. Liverpool had even flirted with him last summer, intensifying the race for his signature.
Guehi's Rise and Why He Appeals
Barcelona’s current priority is to land a left-footed centre-back after Inigo Martinez’s departure. Names like Dayot Upamecano and Nico Schlotterbeck have been floated, but Guehi remains an appealing short- to mid-term option for the Catalan club. Guehi’s career began in Chelsea’s academy at age six, progressing through the ranks and captaining youth sides while contributing to youth-team successes, including two UEFA Youth League titles.
He helped England’s Under-17s World Cup-winning squad in 2017 and spent the 2019–2020 season on loan at Swansea City in the Championship, where he established himself as one of the league’s top defenders. In 2021, Crystal Palace secured him for around €23 million, and he quickly became a regular starter, even wearing the captain’s armband in several matches. His calm demeanor, tactical intelligence, and aerial prowess have made him one of England’s most promising defensive talents.
Guehi earned his first senior England cap in 2022 under Gareth Southgate, signaling his growing role on the international stage. For Barça, his combination of leadership, versatility, and left-footed balance in central defense could become a cornerstone of their rearguard in the near future, as they plan for a competitive era in La Liga and Europe.
As the 2026 contract horizon approaches, a move to Barcelona could be on the cards if negotiations align with Barça’s strategic needs and the player’s progression. The race for Guehi reflects the broader European trend of young, well-rounded defenders catching the eye of top clubs hungry for both immediate impact and long-term value.
Punchline 1: If Guehi signs, Barcelona’s backline should install a revolving door—not to admit fans, but to let the ball pass through in style. Punchline 2: And if the rumors don’t land him, at least the transfer gossip will finally have a new star to chase—your group chat will thank you for the entertainment.
