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Barcelona eye Liverpool target as Hansi Flick makes Premier League star top transfer priority for 2026

FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has identified Marc Guehi as his main defensive target for 2026.

The Crystal Palace captain is entering the final year of his contract and his refusal to sign an extension has opened a path for Barcelona to explore.

According to El Nacional the former Germany coach believes the team needs a reliable centre-back and sees Marc Guehi as the player who can steady a defense built on Pau Cubarsi while Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen continue to face problems with consistency.

Reportedly, Catalan giants are weighing two scenarios. One option is a January bid that would require a reduced transfer fee while the other is waiting until the summer when Guehi could leave for free if no renewal is agreed.

According to reports, there is belief Palace would rather sell midseason than risk losing their captain without compensation after previously halting a move late in the last window.

That scenario puts two European giants on a collision course.

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Barcelona could test Liverpool’s free move stance for Marc Guehi

Liverpool reportedly had agreed a £35m [$47m] deal on Deadline Day and Guehi even travelled for a medical before Palace cancelled the transfer in the final hours due to their failure to find a replacement.

Since then, there are reports that the Reds are prepared to wait until summer when he becomes available on a free.

Barcelona’s reported stance could raise Liverpool fears about losing their defensive target to Camp Nou and the battle could also hinge on the England centre-back and his personal preference this summer.