Marc Guéhi has joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace in a £20m deal, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract worth approximately £300,000 a week. The 25-year-old England international completed the move on Monday, with manager Pep Guardiola praising him as a high-class defender at the 'perfect age' to bolster a defence hit by injuries.
Guardiola said: 'He's a top central defender playing with the national team. Thanks to the club for bringing him here. He is the perfect age, can play for many years and can play on the right, left.' With Rúben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol sidelined, Guéhi's arrival is timely. Guardiola added: 'I know how he wanted to choose us and help with the problems that we have in the back in the next few months so it's really important he's here.'
Guéhi said: '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.' Chelsea, his former club, are due to receive 20% of the fee as part of the agreement that took him to Palace in 2021.
City travel to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday, sitting fourth in the table, one point ahead of Liverpool. Guardiola held a training session on the artificial pitch at Aspmyra Stadion on Monday night, a departure from his usual routine. He said: 'Life is never a red carpet. The quicker you adapt to uncomfortable situations the closer you are to success.'
Asked about Saturday's 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester United, Guardiola said: 'Tomorrow is another game, another competition and I look forward.' He also commented on the demanding schedule, comparing it to tennis player Carlos Alcaraz's nine-week rest. Regarding winger Oscar Bobb's potential departure, Guardiola said: 'I don't have an idea. He says he's not fit so he's not fit at the moment.'
