19/01/2026
Manchester City secure Marc Guehi signing from Crystal Palace
Manchester City have completed the signing of centre-back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a deal valued at an initial £20 million.
An injury crisis in defence prompted City to move swiftly for the Palace captain, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the season and had been close to joining Liverpool for £35 million on last summer’s Deadline Day. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause for the 25-year-old, who has committed to a five-and-a-half-year contract running until 2031 at the Etihad Stadium.
“I’ve joined the best club in England”
Speaking after finalising the move, Guehi expressed his excitement about the next chapter of his career.
“I’m really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” he said. “This transfer feels like the reward for all the hard work I’ve put into my journey. I’m now at the best club in England, surrounded by an unbelievable group of players, and that means so much to me.
“I want to continue developing both on and off the pitch, and I know this is the perfect environment for that. Football has given me so much, and being able to grow further at Manchester City is a special moment for me and my family. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, train hard, learn what the manager expects, and show the fans what I’m capable of.”
Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich were among several clubs interested in signing Guehi on a free transfer this summer.
He becomes Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the January window following the £64 million acquisition of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Guehi’s arrival also pushes City’s transfer spending over the past year to £445.9 million across 15 players.
“Guehi is entering his prime”
City’s director of football Hugo Viana praised the signing, highlighting the defender’s quality and potential.
“Marc has consistently been one of the standout defenders in English football, so we’re delighted to welcome him to Manchester City,” Viana said. “He’s a tremendous talent who will strengthen our squad. At just 25, he’s already proven himself as a leader, a consummate professional, and someone hungry to improve.
“He’s strong, tactically intelligent, defensively outstanding, and brings real passion and energy every time he plays. Marc is entering the prime years of his career, and I’m sure our supporters are excited to see how he develops in a sky-blue shirt.”
