Marc Guehi has claimed he has joined 'the best club in England' after completing an initial £20m move to Manchester City, just months after seeing a summer move to Liverpool blocked on transfer deadline day. The Reds had agreed a £35m deal to sign the England international, only for Crystal Palace to cancel the switch at the 11th hour after failing to sign a replacement.
The reigning Premier League champions had remained interested in Guehi, and were looking to sign him on a free transfer next summer when his contract with the Eagles was due to expire. However, City made a mid-season move for the Palace captain after losing both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias to injury.
Liverpool decided against making their own January move for Guehi, despite their previous agreed deal with the defender. The ECHO understands that the Reds did not consider signing the England international this month as a market opportunity compared to last September and this coming summer.
Guehi has now rubbed salt into Liverpool wounds as he shared his delight at moving to the Etihad following the completion of his transfer. 'I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,' he told club media. 'This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.'
He added: 'I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that's going to happen. I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.'
