Marc Guéhi on Manchester City's Radar: Guardiola Moves Fast to Solve Defensive Crisis
The Citizens will pay around £20 million for the 25-year-old England national team center-back.
Marc Guéhi's name has been in the spotlight of the transfer market since last summer, when he seemed destined to join Liverpool. Although everything pointed to the defender honoring his contract with Crystal Palace following manager Oliver Glasner's firm stance, the arrival of an unexpected proposal from Manchester City could completely change the scenario.
With just one year left on his contract and widely considered one of the best center-backs in European football, Guéhi has been the focus of media attention in recent months, drawing interest from clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United. However, while Liverpool appeared to be leading the race, City now seems the most determined to execute the operation.
The Injury Crisis at the Etihad
Serious injuries to Pep Guardiola’s defensive line, specifically to Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, have forced the club to reassess its situation. At the Etihad, the board is willing to pay over €20 million for a player who could arrive for free next summer, convinced that the only way to stay in the fight for the Premier League title and compete in the Champions League is by reinforcing the backline immediately.
Currently, Guardiola only has Nathan Aké and Khusanov available as natural center-backs, while John Stones remains a complete question mark. British media reports indicate that the Spanish manager has requested an additional financial effort from the club's leadership to maintain a competitive level for the remainder of the season.
Negotiations Underway
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Guéhi and is now negotiating the final transfer fee with Crystal Palace, a deal that looks promising. Meanwhile, Liverpool remains monitoring the situation closely, especially given the approaching expiration of Ibrahima Konaté’s contract with the Reds.
Unrest at Palace
Guéhi's potential departure has not been well received within Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner had stated last August that keeping his captain for the entire season was the main condition for his continuity in the job. A mid-season exit could prove to be a breaking point for the Austrian manager, especially considering that Glasner is reportedly one of the top candidates for the Manchester United bench starting next month.
At 25 years old, Marc Guéhi was a vital player for the Eagles last year, participating in 44 official matches and logging over 3,900 minutes on the pitch. With three goals and two assists to his name, he has cemented himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.
