Stefan Borson: Man City Are Getting £30m for Player Liverpool Just Signed for £7m

Football finance expert Stefan Borson, former Manchester City advisor, claims City are securing a massive bargain by signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for an initial £20-30 million in January 2026, while Liverpool recently signed a lesser player for just £7 million, highlighting a stark transfer disparity[1][5].

Guehi, a 25-year-old England international with 26 caps and standout EURO 2024 performances, was very close to joining Liverpool last summer. A £35 million deal with Palace nearly completed, including a medical, but collapsed when Palace couldn't secure a replacement before deadline[1][3]. Liverpool fans and even Steven Gerrard expressed devastation, citing defensive issues[1].

City acted decisively amid injuries to John Stones, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and Nathan Aké. Guehi credited Stones and Phil Foden for persuading him, pairing with new signing Antoine Semenyo in a £80m+ January splurge, part of a £425m rebuild since 2025[1][5]. Borson praises City for saving £50-60 million versus Guehi's £70m+ market value or summer free transfer risks eyed by Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern[3][5].

Borson slams Liverpool's "critical mistake" and baffling "tactic" for hesitating despite Guehi's expiring contract and homegrown status fitting squad rules. With Virgil van Dijk aging, Ibrahima Konaté possibly leaving free, and injuries to Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and others plaguing Arne Slot's side (currently sixth in Premier League after 2-1 loss to City), Liverpool risk Champions League spots and title hopes[1][2][3].

"I would have paid the money and made the £50m saving... put him right up there in wages," Borson told Football Insider, urging Liverpool to protect investments like £125m Alexander Isak amid self-imposed budget limits[2][3]. Guehi has started all three City games, helping secure seven points, positioning him as a future leader[3][5].

(Word count: 298)