Manchester City have confirmed the signing of England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year deal, with the Premier League champions announcing the move on Monday.
City accelerated their move for the centre-back in a transfer reportedly valued at £20 million ($27 million) as the club battles a severe injury crisis in defence, making the deal widely anticipated in recent days.
“I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” Guehi said in a statement released by the club. “This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.
“It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, described the defender as “one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now”, stressing the club’s belief in his long-term value. “I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve,” Viana said. “He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.”
Guehi becomes City’s second addition of the January transfer window, following the recent acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for around £65 million. The defender had previously been close to a move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September.
The former Chelsea academy player captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup success against City in May, securing the first major trophy in the club’s history, and has earned 26 caps for England. Bayern Munich and Liverpool were among clubs monitoring his situation, with plans reportedly in place to move at the end of the season when he was expected to be available on a free transfer.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner had indicated last Friday that negotiations were nearing completion. Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit second in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, and have recently been without central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom missed Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
What you should know
Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City addresses an urgent defensive need caused by multiple injuries at centre-back.
At 25, the England international brings leadership, top-flight experience and proven quality, having captained Crystal Palace to historic FA Cup success. City’s decision to act in January also allowed them to secure the defender ahead of rival interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who were reportedly planning free-transfer moves in the summer.
His arrival strengthens Guardiola’s title push as City chase Arsenal at the top of the Premier League while juggling domestic and European ambitions.
