Fakayejo Paul
MANCHESTER — In a stunning twist to the January transfer window, Manchester City have secured the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi.
The deal, which has been fast-tracked over the last 24 hours, marks a significant coup for Pep Guardiola as he navigates a mid-season defensive injury crisis.
The Details
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given the move his trademark “Here We Go” seal of approval. Despite interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, City moved decisively to agree on a fee of £20 million with Crystal Palace.
The cut-price deal is largely due to Guéhi’s contract situation at Selhurst Park. With the 25-year-old’s current deal expiring in June 2026 and his refusal to sign an extension, the Eagles faced the choice of losing their star defender for free in the summer or cashing in now.
Why City Acted Now
The move was accelerated following a string of defensive setbacks at the Etihad:
- Josko Gvardiol is currently sidelined with a tibial fracture.
- Rúben Dias is out with a significant hamstring injury.
- John Stones has struggled with a recurring thigh problem, leaving City desperately short of senior cover.
Farewell to Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday that Guéhi will not be involved in the weekend clash against Sunderland, admitting the deal is in its “final stages.”
“Everybody wants Marc to stay forever… but the reality is different,” Glasner told reporters. “The deal for Marc is in the final stages. The result is that Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”
Guéhi is expected to undergo a medical in Manchester within the next 24 hours. If registered in time, he could even be in the squad for City’s Champions League fixture against Bodø/Glimt this coming Tuesday.