Manchester City Take Control in Marc Guehi Transfer Race After Major Player Talks

‎Manchester City have moved into pole position in the chase for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi after making a decisive approach to the player’s camp. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Premier League champions are closing in on a deal as the January window progresses.

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Manchester City have surged ahead in the pursuit of Marc Guehi after making a strong contract offer, with Crystal Palace negotiations expected to follow.

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‎Guehi’s future has been uncertain since the summer of 2025, when Liverpool pushed hard to land the England international. Palace rejected those bids despite being fully aware that their captain was entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

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‎With no extension agreed, the centre-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. That scenario may now be avoided, as interest has intensified with the transfer market open once more.

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‎Although Liverpool remain attentive to developments, City have now overtaken them in discussions. Guardiola’s side are actively seeking defensive reinforcements following injury setbacks to key figures including Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol.

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‎Guehi’s profile makes him an attractive target, combining top-level experience with room for further development. City have already outlined personal terms to the player, turning attention toward reaching an agreement with Palace.

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‎Reports suggest City are ready to lodge an offer of approximately £30 million ($40m). Romano confirmed progress by stating that a significant proposal has been made and that City are prepared to negotiate directly with Palace as the deal edges closer.

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‎Palace, however, are not keen sellers. After lifting the FA Cup last season and competing in Europe this campaign, they would prefer to keep their captain until the summer.

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‎Manager Oliver Glasner has admitted that such decisions are rarely straightforward. He acknowledged that if City submit a huge offer and Guehi wishes to leave, the move would go ahead.

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‎Glasner emphasized the balance between sporting ambition and financial necessity, explaining that there is a threshold at which the club must prioritize finances—provided the player wants the transfer.

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‎The Palace boss also revealed that numerous offers were turned down in 2025 as the club aimed for silverware and a strong season, with bids falling just short of their valuation.

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‎With Guehi now closer to the end of his contract, Palace’s price has dropped, and City appear ready to meet it. Given their commitments in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup, City are keen to complete the transfer quickly and integrate Guehi without delay.