Manchester City have joined the race to secure the signature of Crystal Palace’s defender Marc Guehi, in a move to hijack Liverpool’s chase for the highly-rated player.
Liverpool looked to be in pole position to sign Guehi after failing to complete a late move for the Palace captain in the summer transfer window, following the Eagles’ untimely situation to find a replacement for him.
The Seagulls pulled the plug late in the window, allowing Guehi, who had just a year left on his current contract, to stay till the end of the current Premier League season.
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Now, things have taken a dramatic turn with Pep Guardiola’s side emerging as a serious contender to sign the Palace centre back.
Guardiola’s side may be forced into the market following a defensive injury crisis, with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol both suffering injuries.
According to a report from BBC Sport, City are actively exploring a potential move for the 25-year-old England international.
Interest in Guehi has surged after City’s demanding draw with Chelsea on Sunday, a match that saw both Gvardiol and Dias forced off with injuries.
With John Stones also currently sidelined, the Cityzens find themselves desperately in need of options at the heart of their defence.
Liverpool have pursued Palace captain since the summer window, and were set to exploit a “gentleman’s agreement” in their pursuit of the defender through a successful medical on deadline day—only for the transfer to collapse at the final hurdle.
This has worked against the Reds as they now face a lot of competition for his signature, given that he will be a free agent in the summer.
Even with Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s assurances that the club will sign the player, that promise looks bleak, with City now in the picture.
Guehi’s current contract at Selhurst Park expires in the summer of 2026. This has put Real Madrid and Barcelona on high alert. However, in November last year, the Spanish giants reportedly dropped out of the race to sign him on a free transfer.
Reports also indicate that incoming Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has made Guehi his top January target, desperate to bring the former Blues academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge as his first marquee signing.
While Liverpool have led the race for Guehi for months, City’s late surge—along with interest from other elite clubs—has handed the Palace captain all the power.
Whether he forces a January move or waits for a free transfer in the summer, a bidding war among the Premier League’s biggest hitters now looks inevitable.
