Manchester City have strengthened their defence by completing the signing of England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for an initial £20 million. The 25-year-old centre-back has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at Manchester City until 2031.
Marc Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace and was one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, joins Manchester City after being heavily linked with several European giants. His Palace contract was due to expire at the end of the season, making the deal a significant piece of business for City amid an ongoing injury crisis in central defence.
The move follows Manchester City’s recent £64m signing of forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and takes the club’s spending over the last 12 months beyond £440m.
Player & Transfer Details :
- Club: Manchester City
- Player: Marc Guehi
- Nationality: England
- Age: 25
- From: Crystal Palace
- Position: Centre-back
- Transfer Fee: £20 million (initial)
- Contract Length: Five-and-a-half years
- Contract Expiry: 2031
Manchester City accelerated talks for Marc Guehi earlier this month following injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Pep Guardiola was forced to field an inexperienced backline in recent matches, including the derby defeat to Manchester United, where defensive frailties were exposed.
Marc Guehi’s arrival adds immediate experience, leadership, and reliability to Manchester City’s back four. Since the start of last season, Guehi ranks among the top Premier League centre-backs for clean sheets, duels won, interceptions, recoveries, and line-breaking passes. His defensive consistency and composure on the ball were key factors behind Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph last season.
Having captained Palace and featured prominently in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, Marc Guehi brings proven leadership to a Manchester City squad filled with emerging defensive talent.
How Marc Guehi fits Pep Guardiola’s system
Marc Guehi’s technical ability makes him an ideal fit for Manchester City’s possession-based style. Comfortable passing and carrying the ball with both feet, he offers Guardiola a defender capable of progressing play against deep defensive blocks.
Manchester City often dominate possession, leaving central defenders with time and space to dictate play. Marc Guehi excels in switching play, delivering long passes, and stepping into midfield areas when required. Last season, he averaged over seven long passes per 90 minutes, highlighting his range and confidence in distribution.
Tactically, Marc Guehi provides versatility. He can operate as a left or right-sided centre-back in a back four and has experience in all roles within a back three. This suits Manchester City’s frequent in-possession shape, where defenders rotate and midfielders drop deep to form a temporary three-man defence.
Defensively, while not dominant aerially, Marc Guehi is excellent in ground duels, pressing high up the pitch, and covering for attacking full-backs. His anticipation and timing make him particularly effective on the left side, an area Manchester City have needed reinforcement.
Guehi’s reaction to joining Manchester City
Marc Guehi expressed pride and excitement after completing his move. He described joining Manchester City as the culmination of years of hard work and said he was thrilled to be part of what he called the best club in England.
Guehi emphasized his desire to grow both as a footballer and as a person under Pep Guardiola, adding that he intends to let his performances on the pitch speak for themselves after months of transfer speculation.
Club officials insist the signing of Marc Guehi is not a short-term reaction to injuries but part of Manchester City’s long-term planning. City have admired Guehi for some time and were prepared to move earlier had the opportunity arisen.
Director of Football Hugo Viana described Marc Guehi as one of the best defenders in English football, praising his intelligence, professionalism, and leadership qualities. At just 25, Guehi is entering his prime years and is expected to be a central figure in Manchester City’s defence for seasons to come.
Pep Guardiola acknowledged the deal was made possible by the defender’s contract situation, stating that a longer Palace contract would have made the transfer impossible.
What Marc Guehi brings to Manchester City
Marc Guehi’s signing addresses multiple needs for Manchester City. In the short term, he provides stability during an injury-hit campaign. In the long term, he represents a potential defensive leader as senior players approach the latter stages of their careers.
With Manchester City still competing on multiple fronts and chasing the Premier League title, Marc Guehi’s experience, tactical intelligence, and calmness under pressure could prove decisive in the months ahead.
FAQs
Who did Manchester City sign from Crystal Palace?
Manchester City signed England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
How much did Manchester City pay for Marc Guehi?
Manchester City paid an initial £20 million for Marc Guehi, with a sell-on clause included.
Why did Manchester City sign Marc Guehi?
Manchester City signed Marc Guehi to address injuries in central defence and add leadership, experience, and long-term stability.
How long is Marc Guehi’s contract at Manchester City?
Marc Guehi has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract running until 2031.
What makes Marc Guehi a good fit for Manchester City?
Marc Guehi’s ball-playing ability, tactical versatility, leadership, and Premier League experience make him well-suited to Pep Guardiola’s system.
