Manchester City complete the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on a reported 20m deal, adding another senior option in central defence for Pep Guardiola as injuries affect the squad. The 25-year-old
signs a five-and-a-half-year contract after interest from several major European clubs.
Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, which encouraged Palace to sell rather than risk losing the defender for free. Manchester City move first after Liverpool came close to an agreement last summer, with Guehi now choosing a long-term future at Etihad Stadium.
The England international joins as Manchester City’s second January signing, after Antoine Semenyo arrived for a reported 62.5m fee. Guehi signs until the summer of 2031, giving Guardiola another long-term defensive option while Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias recover from injuries suffered earlier in January.
Guehi explains the move marks an important point in a career that already includes leadership roles and a major domestic honour. The defender captained Crystal Palace to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, delivering the Eagles’ first major trophy and highlighting Guehi’s influence in key matches.
Guardiola gains a centre-back comfortable on the ball and used to building play under pressure. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, Guehi completes 908 successful passes, the highest total by any Crystal Palace player. Within Manchester City’s current squad, that figure would rank fifth for the league campaign.
Only Bernardo Silva with 909, Nico Gonzalez with 1,006, Matheus Nunes with 1,111 and Ruben Dias with 1,303 complete more successful Premier League passes for Manchester City in 2025-26. These numbers underline why analysts expect Guehi to adapt quickly to Guardiola’s possession-focused approach.
Manchester City also consider squad depth, with both Gvardiol and Dias missing games this month. Guehi can cover multiple defensive roles, offering flexibility for Champions League, Premier League and domestic cup fixtures. The club have not yet confirmed whether registration will be completed in time for the next European match in Norway.
Marc Guhi completes his move to Manchester Citypic.twitter.com/rHvbYVXiT4Manchester City (@ManCity) January 19, 2026
Marc Guehi Manchester City transfer after Crystal Palace spell
Guehi moves to Manchester City after a productive spell at Crystal Palace, following a transfer from Chelsea in 2021. Across all competitions for the Eagles, Guehi makes 188 appearances, scores 11 goals and records seven assists, while often acting as a leader in a developing squad.
Guehi’s departure adds to a turbulent period for Palace. Manager Oliver Glasner confirms plans to leave at the end of the season, and also appears critical of the club hierarchy after a 2-1 defeat against Sunderland. Reports indicate Glasner still remains in charge for the rest of the campaign.
Manchester City face Bodo/Glimt away in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Guehi’s debut status still unclear. Registration, tactical preparation and fitness levels will decide whether the new signing features in Norway, or waits for a different fixture to make a first appearance.
"I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player," Guehi told City's official website. "This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.
"I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club thats going to happen.I love footballit has given me so much for so longand to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family. I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my team-mates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do. "
Guehi’s arrival strengthens Manchester City’s defensive group, gives Crystal Palace a fee before contract expiry, and follows a week of change in south London. With major passing numbers, cup-winning experience and a long contract, the transfer shapes plans for both clubs across several future seasons.
