Manchester City are preparing a decisive January swoop to win the intense battle for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, aiming to beat a host of top European clubs and domestic rivals Liverpool to the signature of the England defender.
The Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies
The 25-year-old centre-back is now in the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park, with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2026. It is considered extremely unlikely that Palace will persuade their skipper to stay, leaving one of the most sought-after free agents in world football to choose his next destination.
Guehi came agonisingly close to joining Liverpool at the end of the summer transfer window, even travelling to Merseyside, only for Palace to pull out of the £35m deal at the last minute when a replacement could not be secured. The Reds retain a strong interest, but face fierce competition.
A formidable queue of European giants, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, are all keen to tempt the defender abroad. However, the BBC reports that Manchester City are now seriously considering a January bid to persuade Palace to cash in on their asset while they still can.
Defensive Crisis Forces City's Hand
Pep Guardiola's side had something of a defensive nightmare in their recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea, losing both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias to injury. They join John Stones in the treatment room, leaving the expensively assembled squad looking unexpectedly short at the back.
This urgency could see City act decisively in the January market. With Guehi's contract situation, he would be available for a significantly reduced fee compared to the summer, if Palace decide a sale is preferable to losing him for nothing in July.
Guehi is now free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club, meaning if City or Liverpool wish to secure his services for next season, they must purchase him this month or hope to win a fierce free-agent battle later in the year.
Character and Quality Make Guehi a Prime Target
The defender's credentials are enhanced by his expected role as a starter for England at the upcoming World Cup this summer. His attitude has also been widely praised, particularly in how he handled the collapsed move to Anfield.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the situation back in October 2024, stating: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year... He said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal."
England boss Thomas Tuchel also commended Guehi's professionalism during the September international break, saying: "He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field... He handles it [his transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude. He is the main driver of Crystal Palace's success – the captain and the leader."
Guehi's final decision will weigh both the financial package and the guarantee of regular first-team football, something he has enjoyed as a cornerstone of the Palace side. With Manchester City now pushing hard, the January transfer window has become the critical battleground for one of English football's most coveted defenders.
