Bayern Munich to rival Real Madrid and Barcelona for Premier League star

Real Madrid could swoop for a key Liverpool transfer target at the start of 2026 following deadline day frustration.

As the Premier League market followed La Liga and other major European leagues by closing on September 1, Arne Slot landed his No.1 target as Alexander Isak arrived at Anfield.

The Sweden international has caused major waves this summer after informing Newcastle United of his desire to join the Premier League champions.

Weeks of tense transfer talks finally ended in a dramatic final 24 hours as the Reds wrapped up a record breaking £125m deal.

The move for Isak is the second time Slot has broken the EPL transfer record this summer after already bringing in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, the positivity over Isak was balanced against frustration, as Crystal Palace blocked their move for captain Marc Guehi.

The England international agreed a move, after club chairman Steve Parish indicated his refusal to let him leave as a free agent next summer, before head coach Oliver Glasner stepped in.

That scuppered the deal, and as per the Daily Telegraph, Real Madrid are considering an offer in January, with Liverpool unable to formalise a free transfer offer until June.

Los Blancos have an edge in that sense, due to the restriction of Premier League rules, but they are are also tracking Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.

Relations between Real Madrid and Liverpool remain strained following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to the Spanish capital back in June. and this could be a fresh battle.

The edge gained by being a non-English side also opens the door to rival European interest and the Daily Express have flagged interest from Bayern Munich.

Hansi Flick and Barcelona could also make a move, with Guehi viewed as a cost-effective option, to fill a squad space in Catalonia.

All four can off UEFA Champions League football to Guehi and Palace may look to sell him in January as part of a cut price deal closer to £25m.