Moretto: Atlético ‘very interested’ in Marc Guéhi

Atlético de Madrid reportedly want to sign star defender Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace when his contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer, according to Matteo Moretto on Friday.

During an appearance on Radio Marca, Moretto said that Atlético have been in contact with Guéhi’s entourage to register an interest in acquiring the England international, who was all set for a move to Liverpool in August before that proposed transfer broke down on deadline day.

Now that his contract is expiring, Guéhi — who joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 and has gone on to become club captain — will command a ton of interest as a 25-year-old center-back approaching his career prime. Liverpool are likely go back in for Guéhi after failing to sign him in August; Moretto said also that Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona are in the race for his signature, along with “several” other Premier League sides. Real Madrid probably are or will be interested as well.

“But,” according to Moretto, “Atlético are there too, very attentive to his situation and very interested.”

Though his 6’0” frame is hardly prototypical for an imposing central defender, Guéhi has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best center-backs due to his speed, positional sense, and passing range. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has played the left-footed Guéhi as a midfielder before due to his ball-carrying and press-evasion abilities; in the defensive line, Guéhi has been noted for his anticipation and proficiency in ground duels.

Guéhi, who has been capped 26 times for England, can negotiate with clubs from Jan. 1, so there is still a long way to go before there is any resolution on his playing future. But this is a statement of intent from new sporting director Mateu Alemany, who from next year will be armed with financial backing from Apollo Sports Capital and is determined to make high-level additions to Atlético de Madrid’s squad.