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Within 34 days, Palace skipper the defender will be free to complete a move a club abroad when his contract expires on 30 June.

The 25-year-old can sign a pre-contract agreement with a team overseas when the January window opens on 1 January 2026.

The Anfield club passed up the opportunity to buy the Three Lions defender for £35m in the summer. The prolonged negotiations, which dragged on throughout the transfer period, concluded when the London club were not in a position to sign a adequate alternative.

It meant the south London club forgoing a sizable sum for the defender with just twelve months left on his agreement, but kept their key player after parting with another star to a rival club a week earlier.

The club are still interested to revive their interest, though there are no guarantees the move will happen.

The defender now has alternatives and it is believed top clubs in the continent have already expressed an intention.

The player, though, is not the only high-profile centre-back who might be available on a free deal next the coming window.

The Merseysiders' own French defender has also been linked with a move to the Spanish giants at the expiry of his contract, potentially emulating in the path of former defensive partner Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, rumors on Friday morning indicated Real Madrid have ended their reported pursuit, with little firm intent evident.

His unresolved situation has been often mentioned as a reason for his poor form.

Real Madrid could lose players Antonio Rudiger, 32, and David Alaba, also in his thirties, this transfer window with each about to enter the final seven months of their contracts.

It leaves the Palace star and Dayot Upamecano as possibilities if they are to join the open market to strengthen at centre-back - a approach they have employed repeatedly in recent seasons.

Guehi Matches Real Madrid's Strategy

Real Madrid do hold an attraction in the Englishman and he aligns with a clear team requirement at the back.

Dean Huijsen has emerged as a starter, but Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have both had fitness concerns. He is now in his thirties, another option has not fully convinced and David Alaba has slowed down after a long spell on the sidelines.

Guehi, a proven English top-flight defender with character, speed and plenty of sound judgment, is seen as the kind of stabilising presence who can challenge immediately for playing time.

His case sits alongside the club's broader market strategy: multiple types of transfers. First, the young talent who can develop into a star. Next, the 'free' but established player, where heavy bonuses replace fees.

Finally, the high-cost acquisition set aside for particular players considered as instant starters.