Manchester City have moved decisively to solve their defensive crisis, reaching an agreement in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi before the close of the January transfer window.
The Premier League champions have accelerated negotiations in the last 24 hours, acting swiftly to secure the 25-year-old England international on a long-term contract.
The move for Guehi is a direct response to a mounting injury list at the Etihad Stadium.
With key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias currently sidelined, Pep Guardiola identified the need for immediate, high-quality reinforcement to maintain City’s push for silverware.
While personal terms have not yet been formally signed, sources indicate that this will not be a hurdle.
Guehi is expected to finalize his switch to Manchester in the coming days, ending his successful tenure at Selhurst Park.
His imminent arrival at City comes after one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the season.
Marc Guehi has been nothing short of sensational for Crystal Palace
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The centre-back is entering the final six months of his contract, forcing Palace to cash in now rather than lose him for free in the summer.
However, the destination comes as a shock given previous events.
On September 1, Guehi was moments away from joining Liverpool. A £35m deal had been agreed, and the player had even begun his medical, only for the move to collapse in the final hours of deadline day.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Now, instead of Anfield, Guehi is set to join Arne Slot’s direct rivals.
City are acquiring a player with a proven track record of performing in high-pressure matches—often against the very elite clubs he is now joining or competing with.
He captained Palace to a stunning FA Cup final victory over City last May and also helped them win the Community Shield earlier this summer.
This acquisition marks Manchester City’s second major splash of the winter window.
The club has already completed the £62.5m signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, signaling the board’s intent to back Guardiola heavily.
Manchester City will make Marc Guehi their second summer signing after previously landing Antoine Semenyo
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When pressed on the Guehi speculation during his Friday press conference ahead of the Manchester derby, Guardiola remained tight-lipped, offering a firm “nothing to say.”
In contrast, Palace manager Oliver Glasner had previously admitted that the Eagles would be willing to sell if their valuation was met. With an agreement now in place, it appears City have met those demands, securing one of England’s most sought-after defenders.
Glasner, meanwhile, has announced he will be leaving the Eagles at the end of the season amid links to Manchester United – who have him under consideration for a summer appointment.
