Inter Milan eye Marc Guehi free transfer as Liverpool also circle

Inter Milan have identified Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as a prime free-transfer target for 2026. The Serie A giants have already made contact with the England international’s representatives, signalling their intent to offer a lucrative contract if he allows his current deal at Selhurst Park to expire.

The 24-year-old centre-back has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, attracting long-term interest from top clubs in England and abroad. Guehi, who has captained Palace on several occasions, is under contract until June 2026, but talks over an extension have stalled amid growing uncertainty about his future.

Liverpool are also admirers of Guehi but are understood to value him below Crystal Palace’s £60–70m asking price in the current market. That difference in valuation could push the Reds towards waiting for his contract to run down, much like Inter’s strategy. Could Palace risk losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing?

Inter are planning for the long term, with veterans like Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij approaching the twilight of their careers. Guehi’s athleticism, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities make him an ideal successor in their backline.

For Guehi, the prospect of Champions League football with Inter — combined with a lucrative wage package — could prove tempting if Palace cannot match the ambition.

Liverpool’s interest highlights his growing stature. Arne Slot’s side view him as a potential Virgil van Dijk successor in the coming years. Yet, their reluctance to meet Palace’s high valuation this summer suggests they are also willing to play the waiting game.

That leaves Palace in a delicate position: sell Guehi in 2025 for a significant fee, or risk losing him for free in 2026.

From analysing his last season at Palace, Guehi continues to show maturity beyond his years. His positional awareness and calmness under pressure are traits that Inter — and Liverpool — both covet.

If Palace cannot tie him down to a new contract, it’s increasingly likely that Guehi’s next big move will come at the very peak of his career. Losing him for free, though, would be a damaging blow both financially and competitively.

Talks between Palace and Guehi’s representatives are expected to resume later this year, but progress has been limited. If no deal is reached by next summer, Palace may be forced to consider selling to avoid losing him for nothing.

For Inter and Liverpool, the strategy is clear: wait, monitor, and be ready to strike if Guehi refuses a new deal. The clock is ticking for Palace.

Should Crystal Palace cash in on Guehi in 2025 — or risk losing him on a free to Inter Milan or Liverpool?