Manchester City have completed the signing of England defender Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace for £20 million, as manager Pep Guardiola moves to reinforce a backline hit by injuries and inconsistency.
The 25-year-old centre-back has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract after successfully completing his medical on Sunday.
Guéhi arrives with a reputation for leadership and reliability, attributes City have lacked at times this season due to defensive absences.
A product of the Chelsea FC academy, Guéhi made 188 appearances for Crystal Palace since joining in 2021, including 33 games this season. He captained Palace to a shock FA Cup victory over Manchester City last May and was a key member of the England national football team squad that reached the final of the 2024 European Championship.
Speaking after completing his move, Guéhi said:
“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.”
His arrival follows City’s recent defensive struggles, highlighted by Saturday’s 2–0 defeat to Manchester United, when Guardiola was forced to field a makeshift back four featuring three players aged 21 or under.
Guéhi has signed a contract reportedly worth £300,000 per week, making him one of City’s top earners. Only Erling Haaland earns more, on around £525,000 per week. His salary is in line with Bernardo Silva, while Omar Marmoush earns slightly less.
City were prepared to offer such terms due to the relatively modest transfer fee, with Guéhi’s Palace contract set to expire at the end of the season.
From a performance standpoint, Guéhi ranks among the Premier League’s top 10 centre-backs since last season for clean sheets, duels won, aerial duels won, and line-breaking passes. This campaign, he also features highly for interceptions, recoveries, and overall duel success.
His anticipation, composure in possession, and defensive organisation are expected to bring greater stability to a City defence that has faced sustained scrutiny in recent months.
The signing comes shortly after City’s £62.5 million acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, underlining the club’s intent to strengthen key areas as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European honours.
With his blend of Premier League experience and international pedigree, Guéhi is viewed as a long-term solution to Manchester City’s defensive concerns and is expected to make an immediate impact under Guardiola.
