Marc Guehi’s Transfer Journey: A Strategic Move to Manchester City

After an extensive summer transfer saga involving Liverpool, Marc Guehi ultimately decided to remain with Crystal Palace for the first half of the 2025-26 season, participating in the club’s inaugural European campaign in the Conference League. However, his performances quickly attracted the attention of Pep Guardiola, particularly following a spate of injuries within the Manchester City defense, which left the team with a shortage of available center-backs.

With key defenders such as Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones sidelined, Guehi made an impactful debut in City’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers shortly after his transfer. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the subsequent Champions League match against Galatasaray due to registration restrictions.

At 25 years old, Guehi faces a competitive landscape for a starting position in the lineup once his injured teammates return to fitness. Nonetheless, he is anticipated to feature prominently in City’s upcoming matches as the team strives for success across four different competitions.

The narrative could have unfolded quite differently had Guehi’s proposed move to Liverpool materialized. The Reds were keen to bolster their center-back options amid uncertainties surrounding the future of France international Ibrahima Konate. A £35 million deal with Palace appeared to be in the works late in the transfer window; however, the London club withdrew from negotiations on deadline day, fearing managerial instability after parting ways with Eberechi Eze. Consequently, Guehi remained at Crystal Palace.

Discussions suggested that Liverpool might revisit their interest, yet City secured his signature first. Former midfielder Dietmar Hamann has implied that the summer transfer saga could have influenced Guehi’s eventual decision to join City.

In an interview with CasinoBeats, Hamann remarked, “Certainly, Marc Guehi had options from several clubs, including interest from Bayern Munich. He likely considered his options carefully. I believe he will succeed at Manchester City, as he has demonstrated that he is among the best English center-backs currently available and performs well on the international stage.

“I have heard that if Liverpool had been willing to invest a bit more during the summer, they could have secured him. Perhaps Guehi felt that Liverpool missed their opportunity to recruit him and questioned why he should join them now in the winter. He may have felt somewhat let down, and that could have influenced his decision.

“I believe Guehi will be an excellent addition to Manchester City; however, it is worth noting that the club has brought in a significant number of new players at considerable expense over the past year and a half, and cohesion within the team is still a work in progress, albeit not as problematic as Liverpool’s situation.

“Will he regret choosing Manchester City? Likely not.”

Guehi is expected to play a pivotal role in a demanding schedule over the next month. Following a match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, City will aim to maintain their 2-0 aggregate lead against Newcastle United in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday. Subsequently, they will face Liverpool, Fulham, Salford United in the FA Cup, and Newcastle again in the Premier League.