Manchester City have moved swiftly to secure the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, reaching an agreement in principle for a fee of £20 million.
The 25-year-old England international is expected to join the Premier League champions this month to alleviate a severe defensive injury crisis at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s decision to move now was prompted by long-term injuries to key centre-backs Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and Rúben Dias (hamstring), alongside ongoing fitness issues for John Stones.
Guéhi, whose contract at Selhurst Park was set to expire in June, had already indicated he would not sign a new deal, allowing City to negotiate a reduced fee rather than waiting for him to become a free agent in the summer.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday, January 16, that the transfer is in its “final stages.” He also announced that Guéhi will not be part of the squad for Saturday’s match against Sunderland.
The development came on a significant day for the Eagles, as Glasner simultaneously confirmed his own intention to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The move marks a major turnaround from last summer, when Guéhi saw a £35 million transfer to Liverpool collapse on deadline day after the Eagles pulled out of the deal.
Despite interest from high-profile European clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, City’s urgent need and substantial contract offer have placed them at the front of the queue.
Guéhi is set to be City’s second major acquisition of the January window, following the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Under the terms of his previous move from Chelsea, the Blues are reportedly entitled to a 20% sell-on fee from this transaction.
