Manchester City are in the final stages of completing a deal to sign England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, according to Palace manager Oliver Glasner, as Pep Guardiola’s side scramble to address a deepening injury crisis at centre-back.
Speaking on Friday ahead of Crystal Palace’s Premier League clash against Sunderland, Glasner confirmed that negotiations for Guehi were at an advanced stage, even though the deal had not yet been officially completed.
“Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said. “We can’t confirm, but it is not done. The result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”
The potential transfer comes as Manchester City intensify their January recruitment following a spate of defensive injuries that have left Guardiola short of senior centre-halves.
City Step Up Pursuit After Defensive Setbacks
Manchester City’s renewed push for the Marc Guehi transfer is driven largely by necessity. The Premier League champions are currently without John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol due to injury, while Nathan Ake has struggled to feature regularly because of ongoing fitness concerns.
Guardiola admitted the situation has been far from ideal, describing it as a long-term challenge rather than a short-term setback.
“We are in a difficult situation for not one game but a long, long period,” Guardiola said. “Ruben will be back soon. Josko, no. John, hopefully we’ll see.”
With City still competing on multiple fronts — including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup — reinforcements at the back have become a priority.
Deal Reportedly Worth £20 Million
City’s move for Guehi is reportedly valued at around £20 million (£27 million), a fee considered modest for a defender of his calibre and experience. The 25-year-old has been a key figure at Crystal Palace and one of the most consistent English centre-backs in the league over the past few seasons.
Guehi captained Palace to FA Cup glory in May, defeating Manchester City in the final to secure the first major trophy in the south London club’s history. His leadership and composure at the back have made him a standout performer and an attractive option for elite clubs.
The defender was also close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, but a move failed to materialise.
Competition From European Giants
The Marc Guehi transfer has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. Liverpool were once again monitoring the defender, while Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich were also understood to be keen.
However, most suitors had been planning a move at the end of the season, when Guehi was set to become a free agent. Manchester City’s decision to act now appears to have given them a crucial edge in the race for his signature.
By moving in January, City not only strengthen their squad immediately but also avoid a potentially fierce bidding war in the summer.
Palace Accept Reality of Guehi Exit
While Crystal Palace would have preferred to keep their captain, Glasner acknowledged that once a player expresses a desire to move on, a transfer becomes inevitable.
“When the players want to move on, a deal will happen,” he said. “It looks like it has happened now.”
Glasner was quick to praise Guehi’s professionalism and commitment, noting that the defender remained fully focused on Palace despite uncertainty surrounding his future.
“Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever,” the Palace boss added. “He showed in the summer transfer window and the whole autumn that he was 100 percent committed to the team and to Crystal Palace.”
England International With Growing Pedigree
Guehi has established himself as a regular member of the England national team, earning 26 caps to date. His calm distribution, positional awareness and leadership qualities have made him one of the most reliable defenders available to Gareth Southgate.
A move to Manchester City would place Guehi among the elite defenders in Europe and provide him with the opportunity to compete regularly in the Champions League — a key factor believed to have influenced his decision.
At 25, he is still entering the prime years of his career, making the transfer a long-term investment for City rather than a short-term fix.
Guardiola Keeps Cards Close to His Chest
Despite widespread reports and confirmation from Palace, Guardiola declined to comment on the potential transfer during his own press conference ahead of City’s high-profile clash against Manchester United.
“I have nothing to say,” the City manager said when asked about Guehi.
Guardiola’s silence is consistent with his approach to ongoing transfer negotiations, though City’s urgency in the market suggests confidence that the deal will soon be concluded.
Semenyo Signing Signals January Intent
If completed, Guehi would become Manchester City’s second signing of the January transfer window following the capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week for approximately £65 million.
The twin moves underline City’s determination to reinforce key areas as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. Currently second in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s side remain firmly in the title race.
Glasner to Leave Palace at Season’s End
In a separate revelation, Glasner also confirmed that he will leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Austrian manager said the decision was mutual and would not affect Palace’s immediate plans, though Guehi’s departure represents a significant transition moment for the club.
“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” Glasner said of Guehi. “He is a fantastic guy.”
Final Details Awaited
While official confirmation is still pending, all signs point to the Marc Guehi transfer being completed in the coming days. For Manchester City, the deal could prove pivotal as they attempt to stabilise their defence and maintain momentum across domestic and European competitions.
For Crystal Palace, it marks the end of an era led by a homegrown leader who helped deliver historic success.
As the January window progresses, attention will now turn to how quickly Guehi can be integrated into Guardiola’s system — and whether his arrival can help City navigate a demanding second half of the season.