Marc Guéhi calls failed Liverpool move “God’s plan” ahead of Anfield return

Marc Guéhi insists there are no lingering regrets over his collapsed move to Liverpool last summer, describing the sequence of events that led him instead to Manchester City as “God’s plan” ahead of his first return to Anfield since the saga unfolded.

The England defender joined City in January in a deal worth around £20m and has quickly established himself in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, immediately becoming part of the club’s Premier League title push.

Sunday’s clash at Anfield carries added significance for Guéhi. It will be his first appearance against Liverpool since a deadline-day move fell apart last summer, when Crystal Palace pulled the plug after failing to secure a defensive replacement.

At the time, Guéhi was poised to become a Liverpool player. Palace’s late decision forced the defender to remain at Selhurst Park, where his contract then edged toward its final months. By January, the club accepted a reduced fee rather than risk losing their captain for nothing.

Now at Manchester City, Guéhi finds himself central to a very different challenge. City trail league leaders Arsenal by nine points following the Gunners’ 3–0 win over Sunderland, meaning anything less than victory at Anfield would severely dent Guardiola’s title hopes.

Reflecting on the events of last summer, Guéhi made clear he harbours no frustration about how things unfolded.

“I said in previous interviews, it wasn’t really up to me,” he told Sky Sports.

“It was God’s plan, and God’s plan has come to full fruition.

“So I’m just looking forward to the game, against tough opposition, in a great environment, and we’ll be doing our best to get a win.”

The defender’s calm outlook contrasts sharply with the intensity of the transfer saga that surrounded him just months ago.

Guéhi explained that City’s conviction played a decisive role in his January decision.

“Things happened quite quickly, but it was how keen the club were and how sure they were on me,” he said.

“I listened to the project and talked to the important people, and I was very sure.”

Despite only arriving at the Etihad a few weeks ago, Guéhi feels he is already evolving rapidly under Guardiola.

“It feels like I’ve learned so much from every single person – the players, the staff and of course the manager,” he added.

“My head has been filled with so much knowledge.”

Guéhi left Palace having captained the club to their first-ever FA Cup triumph, lifting the trophy at Wembley before later joining the very side they defeated. While his stature at Selhurst Park was already significant, City represents a different level of scrutiny and expectation.

For the 25-year-old, the move aligns with long-term ambition rather than short-term comfort.

“This is exactly what I’ve wanted for so long,” Guéhi said. “So it’s great.”

City’s recent record at Anfield offers little margin for error. With Arsenal firmly in control at the top, Guardiola’s side must keep pace before hosting Fulham in midweek.

Should City take maximum points from both fixtures, the gap could be reduced to three before Arsenal play again. Any slip, however, would leave their title defence hanging by a thread.

After the Anfield test, Manchester City return to the Etihad to face Fulham, while Arsenal travel to Brentford. With momentum firmly with Mikel Arteta’s side, City’s margin for error is effectively gone.

Did Marc Guéhi ultimately end up exactly where he was meant to be — or did Liverpool miss a crucial defensive opportunity last summer?