How Much is Manchester City Paying for Marc Guehi? Transfer Fee Revealed

Manchester City have finalized a blockbuster deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for a staggering £70 million, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed. The transfer, which has been rumored for months amid City's defensive injury crisis, marks the club's most expensive signing of the January 2026 window and one of the highest fees ever paid for a British player.

Negotiation Breakdown

The agreement comes after intense talks between City and Palace, who initially demanded £80 million for their star center-back. City, led by sporting director Txiki Begiristain, countered with an initial £55 million bid in early December 2025, which was swiftly rejected. Subsequent offers escalated: £62 million plus add-ons, then £65 million, before the decisive £70 million package—£60 million upfront and £10 million in performance-related bonuses—was accepted on Thursday night.

Guehi, 25, has been a mainstay at Selhurst Park since graduating from Chelsea's academy. His composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and leadership have drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk in his prime. This season, he's featured in 22 Premier League matches, scoring twice and anchoring Palace to a respectable 10th place despite their inconsistent form.

Why City? Strategic Fit Under Pep Guardiola

Guardiola has long admired Guehi's ball-playing ability, viewing him as the ideal long-term partner for Josko Gvardiol. With John Stones sidelined until March and Ruben Dias struggling with form, City desperately need reinforcement. The move reunites Guehi with former Palace teammate Rico Lewis and positions him as a cornerstone for City's pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Palace fans are gutted but understand the financial windfall, which includes a 20% sell-on clause. Guehi is set to undergo a medical in Manchester today, with personal terms already agreed on a five-year contract worth £220,000 per week.

Market Context

This fee eclipses City's previous record for a defender (£65 million for Josko Gvardiol in 2023) and underscores the inflating Premier League market. Rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal had shown interest, but City moved decisively after Guehi rejected a new Palace deal last summer.

The transfer window closes in two weeks, and City aren't done—eyes now turn to a striker amid Erling Haaland's minor dip in form.

Article by Liverpool.com staff | Updated January 16, 2026