Manchester City have identified Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as a prime defensive target for a potential free transfer next summer, as Pep Guardiola considers reshaping his backline.
Contract Situation and Widespread Interest
The England international's contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire at the end of the current season, placing him in a position to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January. This has alerted a host of Europe's elite, setting the stage for a major transfer battle.
Guehi saw a proposed £35million move to Liverpool collapse on last summer's deadline day after Palace could not secure a replacement. While Liverpool remain interested, they now face significant competition. German giants Bayern Munich and Spanish side Atletico Madrid are also closely monitoring the 25-year-old's situation.
Why City Are Entering the Race
Manchester City's interest is driven by potential changes within their own defensive ranks. Long-term admirer Guardiola has tracked Guehi's progression for some time. Several factors are influencing City's planning:
- John Stones is in the final year of his contract and has recently suffered an injury setback. He was an unused substitute in six of City's first nine Premier League games before getting injured.
- Nathan Ake has 18 months remaining on his deal but has seen his playing time drastically reduced this season.
- The established first-choice pairing has become Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, with City currently two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Any new signing, including Guehi, would face intense competition for a regular starting spot. However, the Palace skipper demonstrated his quality against City's Erling Haaland last Sunday, despite Palace's 3-0 defeat.
The Challenge for Guehi and What Comes Next
A move to the Etihad would represent a significant step up for Guehi, who is expected to partner John Stones for England at the next World Cup. The prospect of joining the reigning champions on a free transfer is undoubtedly attractive, but securing a key role would be his biggest challenge yet.
With his contract winding down, the coming months will be decisive. Crystal Palace will be desperate to tie down their captain, but the allure of a free transfer to a club like Manchester City, coupled with interest from other European powerhouses, makes a summer departure increasingly likely. The defensive reshuffle at City appears to be beginning, with Marc Guehi firmly at the centre of their plans.
