Marc Guehi’s Eye-Watering Man City Wages: Is This Why Liverpool Pulled Out?

Manchester City have secured a £20m deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but the real story lies in his staggering wages, which reportedly scuppered Liverpool's interest in the England international[2][1].

Marc Guehi, whose Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the season, has been a transfer target for top Premier League clubs. Man City moved decisively, agreeing an initial £20m fee plus a sell-on clause with Palace, as advanced talks continue on personal terms[1]. This marks City's second January signing after winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, with Guehi set to be Pep Guardiola's 15th acquisition in the last year amid £1.75bn spent since 2016/17[1].

The wage revelation: Sources claim Guehi's eye-watering salary at the Etihad—believed to exceed £200,000 per week—proved too rich for Liverpool, who had been monitoring the 25-year-old centre-back as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk[2]. Despite initial interest, the Reds pulled out, prioritizing financial prudence under FSG's model, even as they seek defensive reinforcements amid injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

Sky Sports analysis highlights Guehi's appeal for City: his reliability, starting 32 of 34 games this season, offers immediate cover for injured stars like Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones[1]. Nick Wright notes Guehi's high Premier League minutes tally him among the league's most durable outfield players, making him a short- and long-term boost for Guardiola's squad.

For Liverpool fans, the deal underscores the wage gap in transfers. While City splash cash freely, Arne Slot's side eyes more modest targets like Goncalo Inacio or Dean Huijsen. Guehi's move leaves Palace bracing for a rebuild, but secures his future at a club chasing silverware.

(Word count: 298)