'Not as attractive': Why Liverpool lost out on Marc Guehi to Man City

Manchester City have edged out Liverpool in the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, securing a £20 million deal amid City's defensive injury crisis, according to journalist insights and transfer reports[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Guehi, the 25-year-old England international and Crystal Palace captain, was strongly linked with Liverpool last summer, but a deal collapsed on deadline day. City acted decisively this January, agreeing an initial £20m fee plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, with personal terms finalized and a medical scheduled in the northwest of England for Sunday[2][4][5][6]. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi was in the "final stages" of a transfer, ruling him out of their match against Sunderland[2][4].

The primary reason Liverpool pulled out appears to be Man City's willingness to match Guehi's eye-watering wage demands, which proved too steep for the Reds, as highlighted in reports questioning if finances were the sticking point[1]. City, facing injuries to key centre-backs Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones, view Guehi as both immediate relief and a long-term asset at a bargain price—far below his summer valuation given his expiring contract[3][5][6]. Pep Guardiola, a long-time admirer, sees him slotting into a depleted backline alongside young prospects like Max Alleyne and Edgar Khusanov[3][6].

This marks City's 14th signing since last January, pushing spending near €500m, following deals for Antoine Semenyo (£64m) and others like Rayan Cherki and Savinho[2][3]. Liverpool's loss underscores City's financial pull and urgency, with Guardiola praising the need for defensive depth amid a "difficult situation"[5][6]. Guehi's Premier League pedigree and international caps make him an "elite defender" ready to hit the ground running at the Etihad[6].

City are already eyeing further targets like Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, signaling more ambition in 2026[2]. For Liverpool, missing out highlights why they are perceived as "not as attractive" in this transfer saga.

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