Real Madrid is the king of free transfers.
They proved this yet again in the summer, by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool as a free agent. Many would consider Trent as one of the best full-backs in the world, so for Real Madrid to sign him without spending a dime on a transfer fee speaks volumes of their bargaining power.
Real Madrid doesn't need to splash the cash. The reason they can do what no other club can is that playing for Real Madrid is the prize. They can bank on players waiting out for Real Madrid, as its the pinnacle and the sign that a player has made it in their career.
However, Real Madrid's hierarchy doesn't concern itself with the present. Part of the reason why the club is always ahead of the game is because the decision-makers make decisions based on the future.
So, Real Madrid has likely already planned their next free transfer.
Real Madrid signing Marc Guehi would suck for Liverpool
Marc Guehi is only under contract at Crystal Palace until the end of the season. It was anticipated that he would join Liverpool, but due to Crystal Palace not securing a replacement, he stayed at Selhurst Park.
This is a double blow for Liverpool. Of course, they didn't sign the player they would have liked to sign, but it also leaves them in danger of Real Madrid swooping in.
See, Real Madrid could do with signing another center back. Yes, they just signed Dean Huijsen and they have players who can step up to partner him, but for the long-term future, Los Blancos need more stability in this position.
That's where Marc Guehi comes in.
Guehi is just 25 years old, so he's still a while away from hitting his peak years as a center back. The England international already has experience at a great level, playing in the Euros with England and winning the FA Cup and Community Shield with Crystal Palace.
So far in his career, he's exceeded all expectations. This is what Real Madrid looks for in players, so it only seems like a matter of time before Real Madrid swipes him up.
It would be yet another bitter pill for Liverpool to swallow, and it might not even happen yet. But if it does, and if Real Madrid fans get their wish, then it would be yet another reminder that you cannot compete with Real.