Marc Guéhi Joins Manchester City in Major Premier League Transfer

Manchester City have completed the signing of England defender Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, concluding one of the standout transfer stories of the January 2026 window. The 25-year-old centre-back has agreed a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031. The reported transfer fee is £20 million (plus potential add-ons), a significant investment by City as they bolster their squad during a crucial phase of the season. 

Guéhi arrives at Manchester City as one of England’s most highly regarded young defenders, having earned 26 caps for the Three Lions and established himself as a commanding presence at the back during his time with Crystal Palace. The move ends a prolonged saga that saw him previously linked with a potential switch to Liverpool last summer, only for that transfer to collapse at the last minute. 

City’s decision to pursue Guéhi this month was heavily influenced by circumstances off the pitch. An injury crisis among key defenders — including John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias — left Pep Guardiola’s side short of experienced options at centre-half. That defensive depletion prompted City to act early, paying to secure Guéhi well before his contract at Palace was due to expire in the summer. 

Guéhi’s emergence into top-flight football began at Chelsea’s academy, where he developed before moving to Palace in 2021. Over four and a half seasons at Selhurst Park, he became a fixture in their defence, making 188 appearances across competitions and demonstrating leadership qualities that saw him named club captain. Under his captaincy, Palace enjoyed historic success, including victories in the 2025 FA Cup and Community Shield — the former coming in a final against Manchester City themselves. 

In his first official comments as a Manchester City player, Guéhi described the transfer as “the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career,” expressing pride in joining what he called the best club in England and excitement at the prospect of developing further under Guardiola’s guidance. He also said he is eager to meet his new teammates, adapt to City’s style and give his best to impress the club’s passionate support. 

City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana welcomed Guéhi’s arrival, praising his defensive qualities, leadership and hunger to improve. Viana emphasised that at 25 years old — entering the prime of his career — Guéhi represents a long-term asset for the reigning Premier League champions. 

From Palace’s perspective, allowing their captain to leave mid-season was a significant development. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that the deal was in its final stages ahead of Guéhi’s departure, a move that signalled a changing landscape at the south London club as they prepare for life without one of their best defenders. 

For Manchester City, the signing is not just about covering injury-induced gaps — it’s a statement of ambition. With City still in the hunt for Premier League and European success, adding a defender of Guéhi’s calibre will be seen as a major boost to their campaign.