Marc Guehi’s shock departure from Crystal Palace looms as Manchester City closes in on the £20 million England defender transfer deal

Manchester City have moved swiftly to secure defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £20 million, significantly below initial expectations. The 25-year-old centre-back has withdrawn from Palace’s squad ahead of their Sunderland fixture, signaling the imminent completion of his transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Guehi has been offered a contract lasting until 2031 as City sought to prevent him from becoming available as a free agent during the summer transfer window.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the transfer’s advanced stage during a press conference, stating that Guehi would not participate in tomorrow’s match. Glasner acknowledged the deal appears to be moving toward completion, though he emphasized the process remains unfinalized. The manager revealed that every player has a price point at which the club would consider selling, and when a player expresses a desire to move, negotiations typically progress rapidly toward a conclusion.

The England international’s departure has surprised his teammates at Selhurst Park, who learned of his impending exit this morning. Glasner attempted to ease concerns about losing his captain, noting that Palace had experienced their best recent season following Michael Olise’s sale to Bayern Munich. The manager expressed confidence that the club would recruit a replacement and that the squad could manage the transition without significant disruption to their campaign.

Guehi’s 188 appearances for Palace have included captaining the side during significant achievements. The defender was instrumental as Palace won the FA Cup and Community Shield last season, establishing himself as a cornerstone of their defensive organization. His departure represents a notable loss given his leadership role and consistent performances at centre-back, having progressed through Chelsea’s academy before joining the Eagles.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Guehi intensifies their January business following other market movements. Injuries to key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias prompted City’s mid-season recruitment strategy. The Guehi acquisition follows City’s £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s squad as they chase Arsenal in the Premier League title race, currently sitting six points behind the leaders.