Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a January move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, with the Premier League champions facing a significant defensive injury crisis. The south London club are expected to demand a fee in the region of £40 million for their prized asset.
Defensive Blow Sparks City's Interest
The urgency for City stems from a double injury blow sustained during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol suffered a fracture to his right tibia and is set for surgery, while the extent of an injury to Rúben Dias is still being assessed. With John Stones also sidelined, manager Pep Guardiola finds himself critically short at centre-back.
This has prompted the club to identify Guéhi as a primary target. The potential departure of the 25-year-old would be a major disruption for Crystal Palace, which is reflected in the increased asking price. The £40m valuation is £5m more than the sum Liverpool were prepared to pay when they came close to signing him last summer for £35m.
Guéhi's Contract and World Cup Dilemma
Complicating any potential transfer is Guéhi's contract situation. The England international is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could leave Selhurst Park for free in the summer. A move now would see him forfeit a substantial signing-on fee available as a free agent.
Furthermore, as a key figure in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, Guéhi needs to guarantee himself consistent first-team football in the lead-up to this summer's World Cup. A switch to the Etihad, while offering elite competition, does not automatically assure a starting role amidst fierce competition.
European Giants Join the Chase
Manchester City are not alone in their admiration for the Palace skipper. Liverpool retain a strong interest after their near-miss last year, while European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation. This widespread appeal sets the stage for a potential bidding war should Palace decide to cash in this month.
For City, the fitness of Nathan Aké remains a concern, adding to the need for reinforcements. The club confirmed Gvardiol's injury in a statement, wishing him a "speedy recovery" following his upcoming operation. All eyes are now on whether Guardiola's side will formalise their interest with an official bid for one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders.
