Real Madrid News
Real Madrid battling Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool for Premier League star – Romano
With Real Madrid chasing a new centre-back signing for the summer of 2026, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has emerged as a key target.
The 25-year-old England star is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, having decided not to renew his contract with the Eagles.
Given his age, pedigree, and experience at the highest level, the former Chelsea defender has become one of the most sought-after players in the market heading into 2026.
Elite competition for Guehi
Indeed, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, as many as four elite clubs are battling to sign Guehi for free in the summer of 2026.
Real Madrid are very much in the race for the 25-year-old Crystal Palace captain, but face stiff competition from arch-rivals Barcelona, who have already made a call to the player’s camp asking for information.
Moreover, Bayern Munich are also very much in the hunt and have already held two meetings with Guehi’s entourage to explore the possibility of a summer transfer.
However, any move might depend on the future of Dayot Upamecano, with the Bayern Munich defender, another target for Real Madrid, still in negotiations over a contract renewal.
Finally, Premier League champions Liverpool are also in the race to sign Guehi, having missed out on his capture late last summer.
Recent reports from England have suggested that even Manchester City are considering a move for the former Chelsea prospect.
So, it goes without saying that there appears to be a big battle on the horizon for the transfer of Guehi, who can speak to the club of his choice starting from January when he enters the final six months of his deal.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
