Manchester City are on the verge of securing a significant defensive reinforcement, with a deal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi now in its final stages. The Premier League champions are closing in on the England international, with a fee in the region of £40 million understood to be agreed between the clubs.
From Liverpool Near-Miss to Etihad Move
The proposed transfer marks a swift change in fortune for the 23-year-old defender. Just last summer, Guéhi was close to joining Liverpool before Crystal Palace unexpectedly pulled the plug on that potential agreement. Now, with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire at the end of the season and no extension signed, Palace have decided to cash in.
It is believed that Guéhi himself is keen on the move to the Etihad Stadium. Personal terms are not anticipated to be a stumbling block, and talks are expected to progress rapidly over the coming days. This move would see him link up with Pep Guardiola's squad as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts.
Defensive Crisis Forces City's Hand
City's push to complete the signing is driven by an acute injury crisis in central defence. Key players Rúben Dias (hamstring), Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), and John Stones (thigh) are all currently sidelined. The situation has become so severe that Guardiola was forced to recall 20-year-old prospect Max Alleyne from a loan spell at Watford to provide cover.
The potential acquisition of Guéhi would represent Manchester City's second signing of the January transfer window, following the £62.5 million arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Guardiola is clearly acting decisively to bolster his squad's depth for the title run-in.
Financial Implications and Rival Interest
A notable clause in Guéhi's transfer will see his former club, Chelsea, benefit financially. As part of the agreement that took him to Palace in 2021, Chelsea are entitled to 20% of any future transfer fee.
City have moved ahead of other European giants in the race for Guéhi's signature. It is understood that Barcelona have held talks over a potential move, while Bayern Munich had expressed interest in securing him on a free transfer in the summer. However, City's willingness to pay now has seen them usurp their continental rivals.
If completed, the transfer of Marc Guéhi will provide Pep Guardiola with a proven, ball-playing defender who is already accustomed to the demands of the Premier League. For Crystal Palace, it secures a substantial fee for a player who would otherwise have left for free in a few months' time, bringing a swift resolution to a long-running transfer saga.
