The Crystal Palace captain captained Crystal Palace when they claimed victory in the Community Shield against Liverpool in the summer.
In just 34 days, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will be able to complete a move a club abroad when his deal runs out on 30 June.
The defender can agree to a pre-contract agreement with a team overseas when the winter transfer window opens on New Year's Day 2026.
The Anfield club missed the chance to buy the England centre-back for £35m in the summer. The transfer saga, which dragged on throughout the window, concluded when the London club were not in a position to secure a suitable replacement.
It resulted in the Selhurst Park side forgoing a sizable sum for the defender with only one year remaining on his contract, but kept their talisman after losing another star to a rival club a week earlier.
The club are still keen to revive their interest, though there are uncertainties the transfer will happen.
The defender now has other options and it is understood elite teams in Europe have already registered an intention.
Guehi, though, is not the sole high-profile defender who might be available on a free transfer next the coming window.
Liverpool's own Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with a switch to the Spanish giants at the expiry of his contract, potentially following in the path of ex- teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, rumors on recently indicated Real Madrid have halted their reported pursuit, with no concrete interest apparent.
His unresolved situation has been widely cited as a reason for his dip in performance.
Real Madrid could part with players the German, 32, and David Alaba, 33, this transfer window with both about to begin the last stretch of their contracts.
It leaves Guehi and Dayot Upamecano as possibilities if they are to enter the open market to reinforce at centre-back - a strategy they have used several times in the past few years.
The Defender Matches Real Madrid's Model
Real Madrid have an interest in the Englishman and he aligns with a clear team requirement at centre-back.
Dean Huijsen has stepped up as a starter, but the Brazilian and Antonio Rudiger have both had injury issues. Rudiger is now in his 30s, Raul Asencio has not completely impressed and the veteran has lost pace after a long spell on the bench.
Guehi, a established English top-flight defender with character, quickness and plenty of sound judgment, is seen as the kind of calming influence who can challenge immediately for playing time.
His case sits with the club's broader transfer policy: three kinds of transfers. Initially, the young talent who can develop into a star. Next, the 'free' but proven individual, where substantial signing-on fees substitute for fees.
And third, the big-fee signing set aside for specific players viewed as immediate first-teamers.
