Man City Can Now Offer Marc Guehi Something Liverpool Simply Can't Under Slot This Season - Opinion

Manchester City have gained a decisive edge in the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, thanks to a mounting injury crisis in their defense that Liverpool cannot match under Arne Slot.[1][2]

Guéhi, the 25-year-old England international, has attracted interest from top clubs for over a year. Tottenham's £70 million bid was rejected in January 2025, and Liverpool appeared set to secure him last summer before Palace's last-minute refusal. With only six months left on his contract—which he won't extend—Guéhi was expected to stay until season's end, as confirmed by manager Oliver Glasner in December 2025.[2]

However, City's defensive woes have accelerated their pursuit. Key center-backs Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol suffered injuries in a recent match, joining long-term absentee John Stones and the unreliable Nathan Aké. Pep Guardiola expressed alarm, stating it "doesn't look good" and predicting weeks out for the pair, leaving City desperate for reinforcements.[2]

This crisis allows City to offer Guéhi immediate first-team football—something Liverpool, with a settled defense under Slot, simply cannot guarantee. The Reds retain strong interest and were the only Premier League side willing to bid in January, unlike European giants Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, who eye a summer free transfer.[2]

Liverpool previously had a £35 million offer rejected in summer 2025, despite chief Richard Hughes' admiration for the "superb" defender.[4] Palace now face a dilemma with Guéhi's contract ticking down, but City's urgent need gives them leverage to act now, potentially at a reduced fee amid Palace's reluctance to lose their captain mid-season.[1]

In this opinion, Guardiola's injury-plagued squad positions City perfectly to swoop, handing Guéhi the guaranteed minutes and title-chasing platform Liverpool's stability denies him this season.

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