Marc Guehi’s Future: Manchester City Intensifies Pursuit Amid Liverpool’s Interest

Marc Guehi has been the focal point of considerable speculation regarding his future since the summer of 2025. At that time, reigning Premier League champions Liverpool expressed a strong interest in securing a high-profile deal for the talented defender.

Despite knowing that their captain was entering the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace rebuffed Liverpool’s advances. As it stands, no new terms have been agreed upon, which means that the 25-year-old centre-back could become a free agent at the conclusion of the season.

However, it is possible that he may not reach that point, as interest in Guehi is once again surging with the recruitment market reopening. Liverpool has maintained its interest, but Manchester City appears to be leading the charge in negotiations.

Following injuries to key players like Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol this season, Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen the core of his defense. Given Guehi’s age and experience, he would be a strategic addition for both the immediate and long-term future of the team.

City is intensifying their efforts to finalize an agreement with both Guehi and Crystal Palace. Personal terms have been proposed, with the next step being to negotiate a fee with their domestic rivals. Reports suggest that an offer of approximately £30 million ($40 million) is being considered.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared on social media: “Manchester City advances on the Marc Guehi deal as a significant approach was made in the last 12 hours. City has presented an important proposal to Guehi regarding the contract and is ready to engage with Crystal Palace. The deal is now closer with #MCFC.”

Crystal Palace, having secured the FA Cup last season and currently competing in the Conference League, is reluctant to part ways with their influential skipper. The club would prefer to retain him until the summer.

Eagles manager Oliver Glasner has acknowledged, albeit with some reluctance, that the situation may soon be out of his control. He remarked on the escalating transfer rumors: “I’m not naive. If a substantial offer comes from City and Marc wishes to pursue it, it will happen.”

He further noted the interest in Guehi from several European powerhouses, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid. Guehi is permitted to discuss pre-contract terms with teams outside of England as he approaches free agency. Glasner emphasized, “If we purely consider sports value, every member of the club would agree that Marc should stay, including the chairman. However, this isn’t one-dimensional. The financial situation is crucial. If an offer is made, there will come a point when the club prioritizes financial considerations over sporting ones. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the player.”

This pivotal moment did not materialize in 2025, as Glasner explained: “The chairman rejected multiple offers in the summer because we aimed for a successful season and wanted to secure the Community Shield. Hence, Marc remained vital, and he turned down the offer. The threshold for that time was not exceeded by the amount offered, even if it was close.”

Crystal Palace has a specific figure in mind for Guehi, which is expected to be lower than the previously proposed amount six months ago, considering the dwindling term of his contract. City seems poised to meet these demands, and reaching an agreement on personal terms should be relatively straightforward; only the transfer fee remains to be finalized.

As City competes across four competitions this season—the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup—they are eager to integrate Guehi into their squad as soon as possible.