Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the England international ahead of a £20 million move. Pep Guardiola’s side is moving swiftly in the January transfer window as it looks to reinforce a defence hit hard by injuries.
City have already added Antoine Semenyo to their squad this month and are now preparing to welcome another Premier League-proven talent, with Guéhi’s arrival edging closer by the day.
Medical booked as City finalise deal
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, Manchester City have reached an agreement on personal terms with Guéhi, clearing the way for the final stages of the transfer. The 25-year-old is expected to undergo his medical in the north-west of England, with the deal potentially completed before the end of the weekend.
City struck an agreement with Crystal Palace on Friday for a £20m package including add-ons, beating competition from Liverpool and Arsenal to secure the defender’s signature.
Guéhi has been one of the Premier League’s standout centre-backs in recent seasons and has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. With his Palace contract entering its final months, the Eagles opted to cash in rather than risk losing him for free.
Guéhi to follow Semenyo into Guardiola’s squad
If the move is finalised as expected, Guéhi will become City’s second January signing following the arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The forward has already made an immediate impression, scoring in back-to-back cup appearances against Exeter City and Newcastle United.
City’s urgency in the market stems from injuries sustained by Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol during the 1-1 league draw with Chelsea earlier this month. Their absence forced Guardiola to rely on academy graduate Max Alleyne, who was recalled from his loan spell at Watford.
Despite those setbacks, City remain unbeaten in three matches without Dias and Gvardiol, recording a draw against Brighton before cup victories over Exeter and Newcastle.
Guardiola admits City were left ‘in trouble.’
Although Guardiola avoided naming Guéhi directly when speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, the City boss openly admitted his concern following the defensive injuries.
“We are in trouble! That was my first thought,” Guardiola said.
“That’s why we recovered players and brought Max back. Normally when you sign a player, it’s not for two or three months — it’s for years.”
The City manager also reiterated that January signings are made with long-term planning in mind, rather than as short-term fixes.
Palace hit by double setback
Guéhi’s imminent departure compounds a difficult spell for Crystal Palace, who are winless in nine matches across all competitions. Ahead of their trip to Sunderland, head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed he will also step down at the end of the season, leaving the club facing significant upheaval.
As City prepare for the Manchester derby under mounting pressure in the title race, Guéhi’s arrival could prove a timely boost — offering composure, leadership, and Premier League experience to Guardiola’s stretched back line.