Manchester City Targets Marc Guehi Amid Defensive Overhaul

Manchester City has signaled a strong intent to revamp their defensive lineup this winter, initiating formal discussions to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace ahead of the January transfer window closure, as reported by The Independent.

Although Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire this summer, allowing him to become available as a free agent shortly, the Premier League champions have opted against waiting, recognizing the risks involved.

The strategy from the Etihad Stadium is unequivocal: secure the player now to avoid a crowded bidding war at the season’s end. It has been reported that prominent clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, have expressed significant interest, along with domestic rivals and current Premier League leaders Arsenal. While waiting until July may yield a more lucrative financial package for Guehi, as clubs typically redirect transfer fees into higher wages and signing bonuses for free agents, City is determined to expedite the process by putting a financial offer on the table now.

Reports indicate that City is willing to match the £35 million valuation set by Palace for their captain, a substantial amount for a player with less than six months remaining on his contract. This readiness to pay a premium highlights manager Pep Guardiola’s resolve to enhance his defense immediately, rather than contend with a summer scenario where Guehi’s head might be turned by the allure of competing teams.

Any movement regarding Guehi potentially joining Guardiola’s squad this month could compel interested clubs to present improved offers for a summer acquisition. Given that Guehi’s contract is nearing expiration, he is free to negotiate with foreign clubs immediately, which has accelerated City’s domestic pursuit.

Previously, Guehi had expressed a desire to fulfill his contract in South London, planning to evaluate his options as a free agent. He had come close to departing Selhurst Park in August, with a deadline-day transfer to Liverpool nearly materializing before Palace manager Oliver Glasner intervened to halt the move.

This decision has heavily impacted the club’s season, and with the possibility of losing Guehi without compensation, a £35 million transfer in January represents Palace’s last opportunity to recoup value for their asset.

In a crucial turn of events, the 25-year-old is reportedly now open to a mid-season transfer to Manchester. This change in outlook may have been influenced by the contrasting fortunes of both clubs over the past week. While City is demonstrating financial prowess, Palace is reeling from a humiliating defeat that has shaken the club’s foundations.

Guehi’s potential exit coincides with what many are labeling as one of the bleakest weekends in Crystal Palace’s recent history. On Saturday, the Eagles suffered a stunning 2-1 loss to sixth-tier Macclesfield in the FA Cup, deemed one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.

The defeat was compounded by distressing scenes at the final whistle, where Guehi, visibly frustrated, was seen engaging in heated exchanges with irate traveling supporters. Security personnel had to intervene and escort him away to defuse the tense situation. For an ambitious international defender, the stark contrast between grappling with fans at a non-league venue and the prospect of competing for trophies at the Etihad is profound.

Should City finalize the deal, it would mark a continuation of an extraordinary spending spree for the club. The acquisition of Guehi would bring their net expenditure since January 1, 2025, to approximately £470 million within just 12 months.

The club has already been proactive during this transfer window, having secured the £65 million signing of Antoine Semenyo last week. The former Bournemouth player has made an immediate impact, marking his debut during City’s own FA Cup fixture. While Palace struggled against Macclesfield, City overwhelmed Exeter City with a 10-1 victory, in which Semenyo scored one goal and assisted another.

City aims for Guehi to make a similarly seamless transition. By pursuing him now, they not only strengthen their squad for the title race but also prevent rivals from vying for his signature in the summer. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but with £35 million on the table and the player seeking a fresh start, Guardiola appears poised to secure his target.