England defender Marc Guehi has completed a move to Manchester City from Crystal Palace, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League champions confirmed on Monday.
City accelerated their pursuit of the 25-year-old centre-back after being hit by a severe injury crisis in defence, with multiple senior defenders sidelined. The transfer is reportedly worth £20 million ($27 million), and the deal had been widely anticipated in recent days.
“I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” Guehi said in a statement released by the club.
“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.”
The defender added that joining City represents an opportunity for further growth.
“I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”
City Praise ‘Huge Talent’ in Guehi
Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, hailed the signing, calling Guehi one of the standout defenders in the Premier League.
“Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now,” Viana said.
“I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has already shown leadership qualities, professionalism, and a strong desire to keep improving.”
Second January Signing for City
Guehi becomes Manchester City’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week in a deal reported to be worth around £65 million.
The England international had previously come close to joining Liverpool on deadline day in September. Other clubs, including Bayern Munich, were also believed to be monitoring his situation, with plans to move for him at the end of the season when he was due to become a free agent.
Palace Exit After Historic FA Cup Triumph
Guehi leaves Crystal Palace after captaining the club to FA Cup glory in May, when they defeated Manchester City to claim the first major trophy in Palace’s history.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner had indicated last Friday that the transfer was nearing completion.
Guehi has earned 26 caps for England and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent centre-backs in the Premier League.
City’s Defensive Woes
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Their defensive depth has been tested in recent weeks, with John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol all missing from Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Guehi’s arrival is expected to provide immediate reinforcement as City push for domestic and European honours.