Competition from Liverpool & Arsenal
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Liverpool came painfully close to signing Crystal Palace’s captain and center-back Marc Guéhi on transfer deadline day last summer. However, due to the Eagles’ inability to find a suitable replacement, the transfer did not materialize. Now, with Guéhi’s contract set to expire this June, Manchester City appears to be taking the lead in the pursuit of the 25-year-old. Recent reports indicate that City has made significant advancements in negotiations over the past 12 hours.
During his press conference today, manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he would be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the season and remarked, “As far as I understand, the deal for Marc is nearing its final stages. While I can’t confirm anything definite yet, Marc will not be playing for us tomorrow.” The deal is rumored to be worth around €23 million plus bonuses and a sell-on clause, with Guéhi expected to sign a contract lasting until 2031.
Pep Guardiola’s team has plenty of depth in the center-back position but has recently faced injuries to both Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, in addition to John Stones having fitness challenges throughout the season. Currently, the only senior center-backs available are Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Aké. Meanwhile, both Liverpool and Arsenal have expressed strong interest, as have international clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, although many of these clubs might prefer to wait and sign Guéhi on a free transfer this summer.
Is Manchester City the right move for Marc Guéhi?
At 25, Guéhi finds himself in a coveted position, with numerous elite clubs vying for his signature. This next transfer could be crucial for shaping his career and legacy. Last season’s top three in the Premier League were Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, making each a potential great choice for the England international. Liverpool may offer the best opportunity for consistent playtime, as they currently rely heavily on senior center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté—especially with Van Dijk turning 34 and Konaté’s contract set to expire this summer. Guéhi could quickly assume a leading role at Anfield.
However, entering Liverpool comes with its own set of challenges. The club has struggled this season and, with various issues surrounding players like Mohamed Salah, it may not be the most stable environment for a new signing. Manchester City, while a trophy-winning powerhouse over the past decade, faced its first trophy-less season in years last term. Guardiola’s future remains uncertain, raising questions about the stability that once defined the Etihad. And while Guéhi could start now, the return of Dias and Gvardiol will bring significant competition for starting positions.
At Arsenal, Guéhi would also face stiff competition, contending with one of the top center-back duos in the world: Gabriel and William Saliba. This partnership is unlikely to be disrupted as long as both remain fit. Although there are rumors about potential position shifts within the squad, it’s unlikely Guéhi would secure a guaranteed starting spot. Still, Arsenal has arguably the most stable environment, and he might view it as his best chance to secure silverware in the near future—as long as Arteta’s side can prove their capability to clinch titles.
The potential of acquiring Guéhi on a free transfer is too enticing for many top clubs to ignore, with some likely seeing it as an opportunity to prevent rivals from gaining such a talented player. This month, Guéhi is also eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any European club. His expiring contract places Guéhi in a powerful negotiating position, and given his contributions to Crystal Palace, including leading them to the FA Cup last season, few would begrudge him a move.
