Manchester city agree deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace
Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £20 million, marking a significant transfer ahead of the second half of the season. The deal, which has now been fully agreed between the two clubs, will see Pep Guardiola add a proven Premier League centre-back to his squad as City look to strengthen their defensive options for domestic and European challenges.
The move represents a major step in Guehi’s career, with the 24-year-old poised to join one of the most dominant teams in English football. For City, it underlines their intent to refresh and reinforce their back line with players who are not only technically sound but also tactically intelligent and experienced at the highest level.
Marc Guehi: Manchester City land a proven Premier League defender
Marc Guehi has been one of Crystal Palace’s standout performers since arriving at Selhurst Park, establishing himself as a leader at the heart of their defence and earning regular call-ups to the England national team. City’s pursuit of the defender reflects Guardiola’s long-standing admiration for centre-backs who are comfortable in possession, positionally disciplined, and capable of playing out from the back under pressure.
The agreed £20 million fee is seen as good value in the current market, particularly for a player of Guehi’s profile and experience. Palace had been reluctant to part with one of their most important players, but the offer proved sufficient to secure an agreement, with personal terms expected to be a formality.
Guehi’s rise has been steady and impressive. A graduate of Chelsea’s academy, he captained England at youth level and gained valuable experience during loan spells before making a permanent move to Palace. There, he quickly became a cornerstone of the team, combining calm defending with strong leadership qualities despite his relatively young age.
For Manchester City, the signing addresses a clear need. Injuries, rotation demands and the physical toll of competing on multiple fronts have at times stretched Guardiola’s defensive resources. Bringing in Marc Guehi provides depth and competition while also offering a long-term option who fits the club’s philosophy.
Tactically, Guehi’s attributes align well with City’s style of play. He is comfortable stepping into midfield, reads the game well, and is adept at playing progressive passes from deep positions. His pace and recovery ability also allow him to operate in a high defensive line, a key requirement in Guardiola’s system.
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Beyond his technical qualities, Guehi’s mentality has been widely praised. At Palace, he has worn the captain’s armband on several occasions and has been vocal on and off the pitch. That leadership will be valuable in a City dressing room that blends experienced serial winners with younger talents still finding their feet at the elite level.
From Palace’s perspective, losing Marc Guehi is a significant blow, but the club has shown a willingness in recent seasons to sell at the right price and reinvest. The funds from the transfer are expected to be used to strengthen other areas of the squad, with defensive replacements already being explored.
The move also has implications for the England national team picture. Regular football at Manchester City, particularly in high-profile Champions League matches, could further enhance Guehi’s standing ahead of major international tournaments. Working under Guardiola is widely seen as an opportunity for defenders to refine their tactical understanding and positional play, something that could benefit both club and country.
For City supporters, the signing is another example of the club’s forward planning. While Guardiola’s side have enjoyed immense success, the club hierarchy has remained proactive in refreshing the squad to avoid stagnation. Marc Guehi’s arrival fits that model perfectly: a player entering his prime, already accustomed to Premier League demands, and with scope to improve further.
Official confirmation is expected imminently, with medical checks and final paperwork set to be completed shortly. Once announced, Guehi will become the latest English defender to join the Etihad Stadium project, adding to a squad built to compete at the very highest level.
As Manchester City continue to chase silverware on multiple fronts, the acquisition of Marc Guehi could prove to be a shrewd and timely piece of business. For the player, it represents a chance to test himself under one of the world’s most demanding managers. For City, it is another calculated move designed to keep them at the summit of English and European football.
Source: Skysports
