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In just 34 days, Crystal Palace captain the defender will be able to join a club abroad when his contract expires on 30 June.

The 25-year-old can agree to a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club when the January window opens on 1 January 2026.

Liverpool missed the opportunity to purchase the Three Lions defender for £35m in the summer. The transfer saga, which lasted throughout the window, concluded when Palace were unable to sign a suitable replacement.

It meant the Selhurst Park side forgoing a significant fee for the defender with just twelve months remaining on his agreement, but kept their key player after parting with Eberechi Eze to Arsenal a short time before.

Liverpool remain interested to revive their interest, though there are uncertainties the move will happen.

The centre-back now has other options and it is understood top clubs in the continent have already registered an intention.

The player, though, is not the sole prominent centre-back who might be available on a free transfer next the coming window.

The Merseysiders' own Ibrahima Konate has also been connected with a move to the Spanish giants at the expiry of his current deal, possibly following in the path of ex- defensive partner Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, rumors on recently indicated Real Madrid have ended their reported pursuit, with no concrete interest apparent.

His unresolved situation has been widely cited as a factor for his dip in performance.

The Spanish club could lose defenders the German, 32, and David Alaba, 33, this transfer window with both about to enter the last stretch of their agreements.

It leaves the Palace star and Dayot Upamecano as options if they are to enter the open market to reinforce at defense - a strategy they have used repeatedly in recent seasons.

Guehi Fits Real Madrid's Strategy

Real Madrid have an interest in the Englishman and he fits a evident squad need at the back.

Dean Huijsen has emerged as a starter, but the Brazilian and Antonio Rudiger have both had injury issues. Rudiger is now in his thirties, another option has not completely impressed and David Alaba has slowed down after a long spell on the bench.

The Crystal Palace man, a proven English top-flight defender with character, quickness and plenty of good decisions, is seen as the kind of calming influence who can compete immediately for minutes.

His case sits alongside Madrid's wider transfer policy: multiple types of transfers. First, the young talent who can grow into a superstar. Next, the cost-free but established individual, where substantial signing-on fees replace transfer costs.

And third, the big-fee acquisition reserved for particular targets viewed as instant starters.