Marc Guehi to Man City for £20m & 1 Player Misses Training – Latest LFC News

Manchester City are on the verge of signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi for around £20 million, in a deal that has Liverpool fans ruing a missed opportunity. The 25-year-old England international, whose contract expires this summer, has verbally agreed to a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2031[1][2]. Talks accelerated in the last 24 hours, with Palace accepting City's official proposal, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: "Marc Guehi to Manchester City, HERE WE GO!"[3].

City's urgency stems from injuries to key centre-backs Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, and John Stones, leaving Pep Guardiola short on options and relying on young defenders like 20-year-old Alleyne and 21-year-old Khusanov[1][4]. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Guéhi's absence from Saturday's squad against Sunderland, stating the deal is in "final stages," though not yet done[1][2]. The fee includes a base of £20m plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, a bargain given Guéhi's free-agent status in June[2][3].

This saga stings for Liverpool, who had a £35m deal accepted last summer on deadline day (September 1, 2025), only for Palace to withdraw without a replacement lined up[3][4]. Despite Slot having just three senior centre-backs, LFC didn't pursue aggressively this January, hoping for a free transfer—now thwarted by City's move[3]. Clubs like Bayern Munich and Arsenal had also eyed a summer freebie[2].

Guéhi, Palace's captain, becomes City's second January signing after Antoine Semenyo, and their 15th in a year amid heavy spending[2][5]. He slots into a depleted backline, offering immediate experience and long-term quality[1].

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