Manchester City have secured the signature of England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £20 million, bolstering their defensive ranks amid an injury crisis.
Defensive reinforcement for the champions
The 25-year-old centre-back has put pen to paper on a substantial five-and-a-half year contract at the Etihad Stadium, a move fast-tracked by Pep Guardiola's side following injuries to key defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. Guehi, who was into the final six months of his Palace deal, passed a medical on Monday, 19 January 2026.
This acquisition takes Manchester City's total spending since the start of 2025 to a staggering £430 million, underlining their commitment to maintaining domestic and European dominance. The defender, who will wear the No. 15 shirt, is ineligible for City's upcoming Champions League group games but could make his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
"The best club in England"
In his first interview as a City player, Guehi expressed immense pride and outlined his motivation for the switch. "I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player," he stated. "This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players."
Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield glory last year, believes the environment at City is perfect for his development. "I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen," he added. "It’s definitely the right environment for me to improve and get better."
Palace departure and national team bonds
The transfer has, however, left a bitter taste in South London. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted he felt "abandoned completely" after the club accepted City's offer, with Guehi pulled from the squad for their defeat to Sunderland. The defender paid a heartfelt tribute to his former club, acknowledging his deep connection. "Being from South London and playing for a South London club, I can understand how the fans see the club and what it means to them," Guehi said. "Palace means a lot to me - a big part of my life and will forever be a big part of my life now."
At international level, Guehi has won 26 caps and formed a formidable partnership with John Stones during England's run to the Euro 2024 final. He highlighted the influence of his future club teammate, describing Stones as a mentor. "John has taken me under his wing, especially within the national team. I see him as a big brother to be honest," Guehi explained. "Playing with him at the last Euros was amazing. He just makes your life easier because of his understanding of the game."
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, was effusive in his praise for the new signing, labelling him one of the league's finest defenders. "It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now," Viana said. "He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt."
