The race for Marc Guehi is officially over. Manchester City have reached a full agreement to sign the Crystal Palace captain, completing a ruthless January hijack that has left Liverpool’s transfer strategy in tatters.
Transfer authority Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the deal with his signature "Here we go", stating that a proposal has been accepted by the Eagles. It is understood that City will pay an initial fee in the region of £25m—a figure significantly lower than Palace’s summer valuation, but a necessary acceptance of reality given the player’s contract situation.
The Details: How City Won the Race
This transfer has moved at lightning speed. Less than 24 hours after opening formal talks, City have secured their man. Guehi has reportedly agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium and is scheduled to undergo his medical within the next 24 hours.
The decisive factor was City’s willingness to pay cash now. While Palace chairman Steve Parish had publicly held out for £40m earlier in the window, the reality of losing Guehi for free in June forced his hand. City’s offer of guaranteed money upfront was simply too good to refuse compared to the alternative of a Bosman exit.
Guardiola’s Defensive Crisis Solved
For Pep Guardiola, this is a masterful piece of business. Facing a defensive injury crisis with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sidelined, City needed an elite-level fix immediately. In Guehi, they have signed a proven Premier League international who can slot straight into the starting XI.
The 25-year-old’s ability to play on the left side of central defence makes him the perfect cover for Gvardiol, while his leadership qualities—honed as Palace captain—fit the profile of a City signing perfectly. He is expected to be available for selection almost immediately, potentially making his debut as early as next week.
Liverpool’s Gamble Backfires
If the mood at the Etihad is jubilant, the feeling at Anfield will be one of bitter regret. Liverpool and FSG had identified Guehi as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk but gambled on waiting until the summer to sign him on a free transfer.
That strategy relied entirely on Guehi rejecting all other offers in January—a risk that has spectacularly failed. By refusing to sanction a £25m bid for a player they desperately wanted, Liverpool have allowed a direct rival to strengthen significantly at a bargain price. Questions will now be asked of sporting director Richard Hughes, who must now scramble to find an alternative target or face the wrath of a frustrated fanbase.
Betting Market Suspension
The Marc Guehi next club odds have been suspended across all major UK bookmakers following the news. The market had seen a dramatic swing towards City in the last 12 hours, with "smart money" abandoning the Liverpool narrative as soon as the first bid was reported.