Manchester City have completed the signing of England international defender Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace in a £20 million deal, fending off interest from rival clubs to secure one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-backs.
The 25-year-old has signed a lucrative long-term contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031, providing a major boost to Pep Guardiola’s injury-hit defence. City have been without Josko Gvardiol, who is sidelined for the rest of the season, while Rúben Dias and John Stones have also struggled with fitness issues.
Guéhi becomes City’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, taking the club’s total January spending to around £85 million.
In an official statement, Manchester City expressed delight at securing Guéhi’s signature, highlighting his leadership qualities and wealth of experience despite his young age. A Chelsea academy graduate, Guéhi first rose to prominence during a successful loan spell at Swansea City before joining Crystal Palace, where he developed into one of the league’s standout defenders.
His performances reached new heights after an outstanding showing at EURO 2024, where he played a key role in England’s run to the final. That form earned him the Crystal Palace captaincy ahead of the 2024/25 season, during which he led the club to historic success, lifting the FA Cup, their first major trophy, and guiding them into European competition for the first time. Palace later added the Community Shield, defeating Liverpool at Wembley.
In total, Guéhi made 188 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 11 goals and cementing his reputation as one of England’s most reliable defenders.
Speaking after completing the move, Guéhi described joining City as a proud and emotional moment in his career. “I’m really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” he said.
“This feels like the reward for all the hard work I’ve put into my career. I’m joining the best club in England, with an unbelievable group of players. I want to grow as a player and as a person, and I know this is the perfect place to do that.”
He added that he is eager to get started, meet his teammates, and show City fans what he can offer on the pitch.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised Guéhi as a “huge talent” and a player entering the prime of his career.
“Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for some time,” Viana said. “He is a natural leader, intelligent, strong, and brings energy and passion every time he plays. We are delighted he chose Manchester City, and we’re confident the fans will be excited by what he brings.”
Guéhi is expected to make his Manchester City debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend in the Premier League. Although he is ineligible for City’s remaining Champions League group matches, he will be available for the knockout rounds should Guardiola’s side progress.
With City still chasing the league title, competing in domestic cups, and pushing on multiple fronts, Guéhi’s arrival adds depth, leadership, and quality at a crucial point in the season.
Advertisement
