Manchester City Closing In on Marc Guéhi Transfer from Crystal Palace
Manchester City are advancing rapidly in their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain and England international Marc Guéhi, with reports indicating that a January move is now significantly closer.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City made a “big approach” to Guéhi’s representatives in the last 12 hours. The club presented an important contract proposal to the 25-year-old defender, and they are now prepared to enter formal negotiations with Crystal Palace to finalize a deal. Romano described the situation as “deal now closer with #MCFC,” highlighting the momentum building on the Etihad Stadium side.
Guéhi, who has been a standout performer for Palace and a key figure for the England national team, is entering the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park. This means Palace risk losing their club captain on a free transfer at the end of the season if no agreement is reached. As a result, the South London club are reportedly open to selling him this month for a fee in the region of £40m, according to multiple sources including The Guardian.
Manchester City have been hit by a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks, with key centre-backs Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones sidelined. This has prompted Pep Guardiola to prioritize reinforcements in the January transfer window to bolster the backline and maintain their challenge in the Premier League and Champions League. Reports suggest that personal terms with Guéhi are not expected to pose a major obstacle, and the player himself is understood to be keen on the switch to the Etihad.
The interest from City represents a significant development in a saga that has drawn attention from several top clubs. Liverpool came close to signing Guéhi in the summer transfer window, with a deal reportedly collapsing at the last minute after Palace pulled out due to difficulties in finding a replacement. Arsenal have also been linked with the defender in the past, but Manchester City appear to have stolen a march on their rivals at this stage.
For Crystal Palace, a substantial fee in January would represent strong business compared to the prospect of losing Guéhi for nothing in the summer. The move would mark a statement signing for Guardiola’s side, adding a proven Premier League centre-back with leadership qualities to an already formidable squad.
As talks progress over the coming days, all eyes will be on whether Manchester City can finalize the transfer before the January window closes. If successful, Guéhi’s arrival could provide a timely boost to City’s defensive options during a crucial phase of the season.
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