Marc Guéhi explains Manchester City move after £20m Palace exit

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, completing a £20million move for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after defenders.

The England international has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, becoming a key addition to Pep Guardiola’s injury-hit defence as City attempt to close the gap on Arsenal in the title race.

Speaking after completing his move to Manchester City, Guéhi made it clear that personal development played a decisive role in his decision.

“First and foremost, it is such an honour to come play for this club. I have always been obsessed with getting better, wanting to improve, and that is something that I am constantly striving for.

I think this is the perfect place to do that. This feels like the right environment for me to improve and get better.”

The 25-year-old also highlighted City’s long-term vision as a major attraction.

“The growth and continued growth which the club wants to go for and strive for is amazing.
I just want to come in, help, do my part, and see how far the club can continue to grow.”

Guéhi will wear the No.15 shirt following his arrival.

City moved quickly to secure Guéhi’s signature after losing Josko Gvardiol to a broken leg. With John Stones and Rúben Dias also sidelined, Guardiola was left with limited defensive options.

Guéhi’s Crystal Palace contract was due to expire at the end of the season, prompting interest from several rivals, including Liverpool and Arsenal. City accelerated negotiations to avoid a summer bidding war and finalised the deal early in January.

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Guéhi is set to earn around £300,000 per week at City — a figure that would place him second only to Erling Haaland in the club’s wage structure.

Guéhi will not be available for City’s upcoming Champions League clash against Bodø/Glimt, but he is expected to be in contention when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit the Etihad on Saturday.

He becomes City’s second signing of the January window, following the arrival of winger Antoine Semenyo.

Guéhi’s departure represents a significant loss for Crystal Palace. The defender captained the Eagles to a historic FA Cup triumph last season and had been central to their push across multiple competitions.

Palace must now navigate the remainder of the campaign without their leader at the back, while City gain a defender entering his prime years.

Guéhi will begin training immediately as he pushes for a first appearance in City colours. His integration could prove crucial as Guardiola looks to stabilise his defence and sustain a late title push.

Is Marc Guéhi the missing piece in Manchester City’s title challenge, or a short-term solution to an injury crisis?