Fabrizio Romano Shares the Fee Man City Are Paying to Sign Liverpool Target Marc Guehi

Manchester City have made a significant move in the January transfer window by submitting an official bid of £30 million ($40.2 million) for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, a player previously targeted by Liverpool, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. This development, first reported by Romano and corroborated by Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, comes amid City's urgent need for defensive reinforcements due to injuries to key center-backs John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Rúben Dias[1][2].

Guehi, the 25-year-old England international whose contract with Palace expires this summer, was expected to leave as a free agent, attracting interest from elite clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. Palace had reportedly agreed to a £35 million deal with Liverpool last summer, but Guehi opted to stay, leading 33 appearances and scoring three goals this season[2]. Now, with only six months left on his deal, Palace are demanding around £40 million, making City's £30 million offer a potential bargain despite being below their valuation[2].

The bid represents a "big approach" from Pep Guardiola's side, who view Guehi as a long-term solution but are pushing for an early deal due to their injury crisis. However, convincing Guehi to leave mid-season—especially ahead of a World Cup—is challenging. He stands to gain larger signing-on fees as a free agent and has expressed loyalty to Palace, stating last summer's collapsed Liverpool move "wasn't difficult"[2]. ESPN notes City have held meetings with Guehi's representatives, but he knows top clubs will compete for his signature in summer, potentially with better financial packages[1].

Palace manager Oliver Glasner anticipated Guehi waiting until his contract ends, but City's proactive bid could force a rethink. For Palace, accepting would secure a windfall rather than losing him for nothing, though they're holding firm[2]. This saga could drag to the window's end, with Guehi weighing stability against a premature Champions League move[1][2].

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