Manchester City is set to complete the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with the England international undergoing a medical ahead of an imminent January transfer. The move sees City secure a key defensive target, effectively taking him from under Liverpool's nose after the Reds' previous attempt to sign Guehi collapsed last summer. The deal is reportedly worth an initial £20 million, a figure significantly less than what Crystal Palace had sought previously.
City's Urgent Defensive Reinforcement
Manchester City's accelerated pursuit of Marc Guehi comes amid a defensive injury crisis. Key central defenders like Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones have all faced time on the sidelines, prompting Pep Guardiola's side to strengthen their backline. City has agreed to pay an initial £20 million, with potential add-ons that could raise the total transfer package to around £30 million. This fee is notably lower than the £35 million Crystal Palace initially requested for the defender. Guehi is expected to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with reports suggesting he will earn approximately £300,000 per week, making him one of the club's top-10 highest-paid players.[theguardian+9]
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday that a deal for Guehi was in its "final stages," and the defender would not be available for their upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland. "My latest understanding is the deal for Marc is in the final stages," Glasner told reporters. He added, "I cannot confirm the club's (latest). It's not done. But the result is Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us." Guehi, who has captained Crystal Palace, joined the club in 2021 for £18 million and has made over 150 appearances for them. His former club, Chelsea, will also benefit from the transfer, receiving around £4 million due to a 20% sell-on clause included in his original move to Palace.[sportsmole+10]
Liverpool's Missed Opportunity
Liverpool had a significant interest in Marc Guehi, with a £35 million deal reportedly agreed for the defender on the summer transfer deadline day in 2025. Guehi even completed a medical, and was on the verge of signing a five-year contract with the then-Premier League champions. However,the transfer dramatically collapsed at the eleventh hour because Crystal Palace failed to secure a suitable replacement in time, forcing them to pull out of the agreement.[sportsmole+4]
Despitetheir long-standing interest, Liverpool decided against making a late bid to "gazump" Manchester City in the current January window. Reports indicate that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), did not view signing Guehi this month as a "market opportunity." A key factor in this decision was reportedly Guehi's high wage demands, which would have placed him among Liverpool's highest earners, potentially disrupting their established wage structure. While Manchester City operates with a broader range of high-earning contracts, Liverpool maintains a tighter wage structure for its top players. This financial approach led Liverpool to either wait for a free transfer in the summer or explore other options.[sportsmole+10]
Managerial Comments and Future Impact
Pep Guardiola remained "tight-lipped" when directly asked about Manchester City's pursuit of Guehi, but offered general remarks about player transfers. He stated that when a player expresses a desire to move, a deal often happens, acknowledging the reality that players may seek new challenges despite clubs wanting them to stay. Guardiola's comments align with the situation, as Guehi's contract at Crystal Palace was set to expire at the end of the season, and he had no intention of signing new terms.[liverpool+1]
The acquisition of Guehi provides Manchester City with crucial defensive depth as they compete across multiple competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. His arrival follows the earlier January signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64 million, further bolstering City's squad. For Crystal Palace, losing their captain is a blow, but securing a fee for a player who would have been a free agent in a few months represents a pragmatic financial decision. The transfer signifies a strategic move by Manchester City to address immediate squad needs and solidify their position in the title race, while Liverpool's cautious approach means they will now seek alternative defensive targets.[sportsmole+10]
