Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace over the signing of club captain Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, as the Premier League champions move to address defensive concerns.
City acted quickly for the England international after suffering injury setbacks to key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.
Negotiations between both clubs gathered momentum over the last 24 hours, with confidence growing within the Etihad hierarchy that the transfer can be concluded before the window closes.
Guehi, 25, is entering the final months of his contract, which expires in the summer, and has been on the radar of several elite European sides. He was close to securing a move to Liverpool last summer in a deal reportedly worth £35 million, but the transfer collapsed late on deadline day after the defender had already begun his medical.
Although personal terms with Manchester City are yet to be fully finalised, sources close to the talks suggest there are no major obstacles, with the defender expected to commit to a long-term contract once details are completed.
Earlier reports had indicated that City were monitoring Guehi’s situation, and discussions have since accelerated significantly. When questioned about the potential transfer on Friday, City manager Pep Guardiola offered no insight, replying simply, “Nothing to say.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, however, confirmed that negotiations were close to being wrapped up. “My understanding is the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” the Austrian coach said, while also revealing that Guehi will be left out of the squad for Palace’s Premier League clash against Sunderland on Saturday.
Glasner had previously made it clear that Palace would be open to selling their captain in January if the club’s valuation was met.
Guehi has been a central figure in Palace’s recent success, captaining the club to FA Cup triumph last season, where the Eagles defeated Manchester City in the final. He also led Palace to victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield at the start of the current campaign.
Manchester City have already been active in the transfer market this month, completing the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The expected arrival of Guehi would further reinforce Guardiola’s defensive depth as City push for continued domestic and European success.
What you should know
Marc Guehi’s potential move to Manchester City reflects both his growing stature in English football and City’s urgency to reinforce their defence amid injury concerns.
As Palace captain and an established England international, Guehi brings leadership, composure, and Premier League experience. His pending contract expiry has made him an attractive January target, allowing City to move decisively.
If completed, the deal would mark a significant defensive addition for Pep Guardiola while also ending Guehi’s influential spell at Crystal Palace.
