Liverpool Think They Would Have Created a Big Problem for Man City by Signing Marc Guehi

Manchester City have secured the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for an initial £20 million ($27m), beating Liverpool to the England international in a transfer that Liverpool now believe could have disrupted City's title challenge[1][2][3]. Guehi, 25, has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract until 2031, providing immediate defensive reinforcement amid injuries to Josko Gvardiol (out for the season), Ruben Dias, and John Stones[1][3].

The move, City's second in January after £64m forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, takes their 12-month spending to over £445m[2]. Pep Guardiola hailed the deal as a coup, enabled by Guehi's expiring contract, thwarting rivals planning a free transfer in summer 2026[2]. Guehi, ex-Chelsea youth product and Palace captain, shone at EURO 2024 and led Palace to FA Cup glory over City last May, plus the Community Shield against Liverpool[1].

Liverpool had a £35m deal agreed in summer 2025 but it collapsed, with Anfield sources later deeming a January bid unlikely[4][5]. They passed this window, viewing the true cost—beyond the £20m fee, including hefty signing-on fees, agent costs, and £300k+ weekly wages—as poor value for a soon-to-be-free agent[5]. Liverpool relied on Ibrahima Konate, despite his errors, and plan to revisit centre-back needs in summer[4][5].

City see Guehi as a long-term leader, not just injury cover, potentially reshaping their backline with Gvardiol shifting left and implications for John Stones[4]. Liverpool insiders regret the miss, believing Guehi at Anfield would have created a "big problem" for City in the title race, where City trail Arsenal by seven points[1][4]. Guehi is excited: "I am now at the best club in England," poised for a Wolves debut[2][3].

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