Guehi Joins Manchester City Amidst Defensive Challenges

Marc Guehi has successfully completed his transfer to Manchester City in January, with Crystal Palace capitalizing on the opportunity to sell the defender rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires this summer. Guehi was previously linked with Liverpool, but a last-minute move to Anfield fell through last summer. Despite interest from Liverpool and Chelsea for a winter transfer, City has ultimately secured his signature, offering him a contract that extends until 2031. This acquisition comes at a crucial time as Manchester City seeks to bolster their defense amid injuries to key players including John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol.

Chelsea opted not to pursue Guehi for several reasons, as reported by BBC Sport. Financial constraints were a significant factor; Guehi’s new contract reportedly pays him £300,000 a week, surpassing the highest earner at Chelsea, captain Reece James, who earns £250,000 a week. The club expressed concerns that Guehi becoming their highest-paid player could disrupt team harmony. Additionally, with players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill seeking improved contracts, Chelsea is cautious about entering negotiations. Furthermore, the club assessed that Guehi’s playing style was too similar to that of Colwill, further influencing their decision to withdraw from the transfer race.

Upon his unveiling at Manchester City, Guehi expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club, labeling it the best in the country. He stated, “I am truly happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player. 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, surrounded by an exceptional squad. I love football, and being able to continue my development at Manchester City is a special moment for me and my family. I cannot wait to get started, meet my teammates, train hard, and show the City fans what I can do.”

In parallel, Chelsea is reportedly interested in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who is valued at €60 million (£52 million/$70 million). The young talent has made a significant impression in Ligue 1 and Chelsea is contemplating a January signing while potentially loaning him back to Rennes for the remainder of the season. However, Rennes head coach Habib Beye has expressed his desire to retain Jacquet, emphasizing his importance to the team’s objectives. He stated, “Today, he is a very important player for our goals. If we were to let him go, we would have to adjust our expectations. I am firm on this situation; he is one of our best players, and we must resist any approaches. There are several factors beyond my control in this matter. We’ll see what unfolds in the coming days.”

Chelsea aims to finalize a deal for Jacquet before the transfer window closes, although it remains uncertain whether he will join in January or at the end of the season. As for Guehi, he is poised to make his debut for Manchester City against Wolves, albeit at a time when the club is experiencing a challenging run of form, having suffered recent defeats to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Premier League.