Manchester City have agreed to pay a deposit of £20 million to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
The deal also includes a percentage sale clause.
The details of the transfer agreement continue to be highly debated.
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi is “in the final stages” of a transfer and will not play for Sunderland on Saturday.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that City are the only team prepared to make a deal for Guehi during this period, with Josep Guardiola’s side increasing their interest in the past 24 hours.
Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Gehi on a free transfer this summer. And that means City will need to make an attractive offer to Palace and Gehi if they want to move now.
Gehi almost joined Liverpool in a £35m deal last summer, but the deal fell through on deadline day.
Manager Josep Guardiola was asked about Guehi at Friday’s press conference, live on Sky Sports, ahead of Saturday’s match against Manchester United, and said: “I have nothing to say” about Guehi.
Glasner said: “My latest understanding is that the contract with Marc is in the final stages. The contract hasn’t been finalized yet, but it’s in the final stages, so I can’t confirm the club.”
“As a result, Marc will not play for us tomorrow.”
Pep: ‘It’s a difficult situation’ on City’s defensive problems
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Manchester City are increasing their interest in Guehi
City’s interest in signing a centre-back has increased as Guardiola is currently without senior centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol through injury, while Nathan Ake is struggling to play more than once a week due to fitness issues.
The inexperienced duo of Abdukkodir Kusanov and Max Alleyne, who was recalled from his loan with Sky Bet Championship club Watford, have started the last three games.
City’s move highlights how serious their defensive problems have become, especially with Stones and Ake facing uncertain futures beyond this season.
Speaking about City’s defensive problems, Guardiola added: “Without John (Stones), Ruben (Diaz) and Josko (Gvardiol), we are in a difficult situation, not just for one game, but for a long time.”
“It’s a difficult situation.
“Ruben will be back soon, Josko, no, John, hopefully you’ll find out.”
Analysis: Guehi could join Man City directly
Nick Wright of Sky Sports:
The most important thing Guehi can offer Manchester City, at least in the short term, is availability. He has started 32 out of 34 games this season. Only 10 outfielders have played more minutes in the Premier League since the start of last season.
The City manager appears to be in perfect condition to slot directly into Guardiola’s backline and gain much-needed experience after being without his centre-back duo of 20-year-old Alleyne and 21-year-old Kusanov due to injury.
But Guehi won’t be just a short-term contract. He’s 25 years old, at his peak for years to come, and has a long list of suitors that reflect his qualities.
Guehi developed during his time at Palace, playing a key role in the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield wins and establishing himself as England’s most important centre-back and one of the best in the Premier League.
Excellent defensively, strong in duels and fast enough to cover large spaces, Guehi is also confident in possession and has the versatility to play in a variety of systems. He has scored five goals and provided four assists in the Premier League over the past two seasons and is also an increasing threat from set pieces.
It comes in an attractive package. Guehi would be able to immediately cover City’s injury list and strengthen the team not only now but for the future.
Man City spending overview
Manchester City have spent £1.75bn since the start of the 2016/17 season.
Number of Manchester City contracts in the last 12 months
Guehi is City’s second signing of the January transfer window, after signing winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week.
The England defender is set to become Guardiola’s 15th signing of the year!
January 2025 – £176.1m
Abdukkodir Kusanov – Lens, £33.5m
Vitor Reis – Palmeiras, £29.6m
Omar Marmouche – Eintracht Frankfurt, £63.2m
Nico Gonzalez – Porto, £50m
Christian McFarlane – New York City, private
Juma Bar – Real Valladolid, private
Summer 2025 – £185.8m
Tijani Lajnders – AC Milan, £46.3m
Rayan Ait Nouri – Wolves, £36m
Marcus Bettinelli – Chelsea, private
Rayan Cherki – Lyon, £34m
Sverre Nippan – Rosenborg, £12.5m
James Trafford – Burnley, £31m
Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG, £26m
January 2026 – £64m
Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth, £64m
