In a dramatic mid-season twist, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is on the brink of completing a surprise transfer to Manchester City. The defender is set to undergo his medical this Sunday, with a formal announcement expected before the weekend concludes.
City's Swift Move Seals Deal Ahead of Rivals
The transfer saga took a decisive turn on Friday when it was revealed Manchester City had agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for their influential centre-back. Guehi's contract was due to expire at the end of the season, making him available on a free transfer. City's proactive move was strategically designed to head off intense rival interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom were preparing to make their play for the player in the summer window.
The speed of the operation has caught many by surprise, securing a player who was heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. This pre-emptive strike means Pep Guardiola's side have secured a key defensive target without entering a summer bidding war.
Liverpool's Long-Standing Interest Thwarted
This development represents a significant blow to Liverpool, who had previously come close to signing Guehi. Last summer, a £35 million transfer to Anfield collapsed at the eleventh hour on deadline day after Crystal Palace opted to pull the plug on the agreement.
The defender's impending move to the Etihad was all but confirmed by outgoing Palace manager Oliver Glasner during his press conference on Friday. The Austrian boss, who simultaneously announced he would leave the club at season's end, stated: "My latest understanding is that the deal with Marc is in the final stages... I cannot confirm the club, because it's still not done, but in the final stages, and the result is that Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us."
Medical Details and Immediate Impact
According to reports from Sky Sports, the final hurdle will be cleared on Sunday when Guehi completes his medical assessment. The swift timeline suggests City are keen to integrate him into their squad as quickly as possible.
The transfer marks a major coup for the former Premier League champions, who have acted decisively to bolster their defensive options. For Crystal Palace, it secures a fee for a player who would have been able to leave for nothing in just a few months, while also allowing them to plan for the future without their skipper.
Guehi's immediate omission from the Palace squad, as confirmed by Glasner, underscores how advanced the proceedings are. All parties now await the completion of Sunday's medical to officially confirm one of the January window's most unexpected deals.
