Transfer News
City Seal £20m Guehi Coup: Defensive Masterstroke Incoming
Manchester City's Defensive Reinforcement: Marc Guehi Set to Join in £20m Deal
In a move that's set to bolster Manchester City's injury-ravaged backline, the club has agreed a deal in principle to sign England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for an initial £20m. This transfer, which includes a sell-on clause for Palace, marks the latest chapter in Pep Guardiola's relentless pursuit of defensive excellence since his arrival at the Etihad in July 2016. With Guehi poised to become the 25th defender signed under Guardiola's tenure, City's total expenditure on backline players will surge to a staggering £1.379 billion, according to Transfermarkt data.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who has been a standout performer for Palace and earned caps for England, is expected to complete the switch in the coming days, signing a long-term contract until June 2031. This acquisition comes at a critical time for City, who have been plagued by injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol—the latter undergoing surgery after breaking his shinbone. These setbacks have left Guardiola relying on a makeshift defensive trio of Abdulkodir Khusanov, Nathan Ake, and young prospect Max Alleyne, highlighting the urgency behind this mid-season reinforcement.
Guehi's journey to this point is a testament to his resilience and talent. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in England, he rose through Chelsea's academy ranks, making his senior debut for the Blues in 2019. A successful loan spell at Swansea City in the Championship showcased his composure on the ball and aerial prowess, leading to a £18m move to Crystal Palace in 2021. At Selhurst Park, Guehi quickly established himself as a leader, captaining the side to FA Cup glory last season and earning praise for his reading of the game and distribution skills.