England defender Marc Guehi promises to 'let football do the talking' after signing for Manchester City from Crystal Palace
Updated 19/01/2026 at 18:22 GMT
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Manchester City have beaten Premier League and European rivals to the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola had been keen to bolster his defensive options after suffering a number of injuries in the first half of the season. City faced competition from a number of clubs, including Liverpool, who were close to signing Guehi last summer before the move fell through.
Guehi calls Man City move 'a relief' after transfer saga
Video credit: SNTV
Manchester City have won the race to sign England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a move reportedly worth ÂŁ20 million.
Guehi has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad.
Liverpool were close to securing the transfer of Guehi in the 2025 summer transfer window, but the move fell through at the final hurdle due to Palace being unable to replace him.
In an official club video posted on social media, Guehi said: "There's been some talk and a lot of noise. But when they asked if I wanted to come to City, there was only one answer.
"I know what winning feels like, and I won't stop until I get that same feeling. A lot has been said, but I'll let my football do the talking."
The 25-year-old defender inspired The Eagles to the first major trophy in their history last term, when they beat City to win the FA Cup.
"I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player," Guehi said.
"This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.
"It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that's going to happen.
"I love football - it has given me so much for so long - and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.
"I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do."
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Guehi - who will wear the No. 15 shirt - arrived at Selhurst Park in 2021 from Chelsea and has gone on to break into the England side, impressing as part of the defence that reached the final of Euro 2024 in Germany.
He now has 26 international caps to his name and will link up with a City side that have already added Antoine Semenyo to their ranks this winter transfer window.
Guehi made 44 appearances for Palace during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring three goals and pitching in with two assists.
That helped them to another 12th-place finish in the Premier League table, but he opted not to extend his contract beyond this summer and announced he would be leaving earlier this season.
There was an expectation that Palace's resolve would be tested this month, knowing they would otherwise lose their captain on a free transfer come the end of the season.
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Failing to sign Guehi might cost Liverpool title – McCoist
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City's spate of injuries in central defence - to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol - ultimately accelerated their plans to put Palace's resistance to the test, and Guehi's desire to make the move happen now has brought forward the transfer.
Pep Guardiola has thanked City’s hierarchy following the club’s acquisition of Guehi, with six months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
Guehi will not be eligible to feature in Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt, but could make his debut against Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Guardiola praised both the player and the club’s recruitment efforts. "He is a top central defender and a regular international," the City manager said.
"Thanks to the club for bringing him here. He can play on the right or the left, and I know how keen he was to choose us.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaks to the press
Image credit: Getty Images
"I’m pretty sure that if he had been under a long-term contract at Crystal Palace it would have been impossible. But with six months left on his deal, the situation was easier. Of course, Crystal Palace and Manchester City still had to reach an agreement, and then the player had to decide to come. Otherwise, even in those circumstances, it would not have been possible."
Palace manager Oliver Glasner revealed on Friday during a bombshell press conference that he, too, would be leaving Palace come the end of the current campaign - and stated that Guehi's transfer was in the "final stages".
It has been reported that a percentage sell-on clause has been inserted into the deal, but Palace must now look to replace a player so integral to the club's greatest success story.
Glasner's side etched their name into Palace folklore by beating City 1-0 in the FA Cup final last May.
Guehi played a key role in an excellent defensive display from The Eagles but was forced off the field in the 61st minute due to an eye injury.
Keown: Guehi can drag City back into title race
Guehi joins a City side looking to claw back a seven-point deficit to leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes recruiting Guehi now could have a significant impact on City's quest to be crowned champions.
"He could put them back into the title race," Keown said. "At the moment, Man City have young players like Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov available at the back who are inexperienced.
"There’s no [Ruben] Dias or [John] Stones fit right now and that’s an area of concern and they looked a bit suspect in their defeat in the derby against Manchester United.
"Once Guehi comes in, he would be very important for them. Guehi going to any club is good for their future."
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