Manchester City have agreed a £20m deal to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, bolstering their defence amid key injuries during a crucial title run.
Manchester City have agreed a £20m deal in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The England centre back is expected to complete the move this month. Talks accelerated after City suffered multiple defensive injuries. Personal terms are not finalised but are not expected to delay the transfer.
Guehi is out of contract in the summer, making January Palace’s last chance to secure a fee. City have moved decisively to avoid competition from rivals later in the year. The 25-year-old is expected to sign a long-term deal. He would become City’s second signing of the January window.
City’s pursuit has been driven by problems at the back. Josko Gvardiol recently underwent surgery after breaking his shin. Ruben Dias is sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury. John Stones has also missed significant time this season.
Pep Guardiola has relied on inexperienced options in recent matches. That situation added urgency to City’s search for an experienced centre back. Guehi is seen as ready to step straight into the starting lineup. His availability has been a key factor in the move.
Guehi joined Crystal Palace from Chelsea in 2021 and quickly became a central figure. He has made 188 appearances for the club across all competitions. The defender has scored 11 goals and added seven assists. His leadership saw him named captain and trusted in big moments.
Last season, Guehi captained Palace to FA Cup success. He also lifted the Community Shield at the start of the current campaign. His performances earned him regular England selection. He was a key part of the national side’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Guehi has started 32 of Palace’s 34 matches this season. Few Premier League defenders have logged more minutes over the past two campaigns. He combines strong dueling with pace in recovery situations. On the ball, he is comfortable progressing play under pressure.
Over the last two league seasons, he has contributed five goals and four assists. That threat from set pieces adds another dimension. City value his ability to operate in a high defensive line. His age profile also fits their long-term planning.
City have already spent heavily in recent windows. Earlier this month, they signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £62.5m. Guehi’s arrival would further strengthen a squad competing on multiple fronts. City remain active in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The club believes defensive stability will be decisive in the title race. Arsenal remain close challengers at the top. City’s recent draw with Chelsea exposed their lack of depth at centre back. Guehi is expected to help address that immediately.
City face Manchester United at Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture. Defensive availability will be stretched again for that derby. Guehi is unlikely to be involved until paperwork is complete. Once registered, he could feature quickly.
Crystal Palace travel to Sunderland this weekend without their captain. City, meanwhile, push on with a clear objective. Strengthen now and maintain control of the title race.
