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Manchester City agree deal for Crystal Palace captain
Manchester City have reached a preliminary agreement to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this month for £20 million, sources confirmed on Friday. The 25-year-old England international is poised to leave Selhurst Park after leading the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season.
Injury crisis accelerates City's pursuit
City initiated talks with Guehi earlier this month following injuries to key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. Gvardiol, 23, recently underwent surgery for a broken shinbone sustained in a draw with Chelsea, while Dias, 28, is sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Guehi, who was close to joining Liverpool last summer, has been a transfer target for several top European clubs. Out of contract in June, he had been linked with a move away from Palace since the summer window.
Personal terms and contract details
While personal terms have yet to be finalized, they are not expected to pose a significant hurdle. Guehi is set to sign a long-term contract with City, pending the completion of formalities.
City have already bolstered their squad this window with the £62.5 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Glasner confirms exit amid transfer developments
Palace manager Oliver Glasner announced on Friday that he will leave the club when his contract expires in June. The Austrian coach clarified that Guehi's potential departure had no bearing on his decision, which he made months ago.
"My decision has already been taken months ago. The Marc situation has zero impact on that," Glasner said.
Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace manager
However, the timing of the Guehi deal appears to have prompted Glasner to confirm his exit sooner than planned. He informed Palace chairman Steve Parish of his decision in October.
Guehi will not feature in Palace's Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday, with Glasner stating the transfer is in its "final stages."
Guehi's Palace legacy and England career
Guehi captained Palace to their first major trophy in the FA Cup final last May, defeating Manchester City, and later lifted the Community Shield after a victory over Liverpool at the start of this season.
His move to Palace from Chelsea in 2021 marked the beginning of his rise as an England regular. He played a pivotal role in the Three Lions' run to the Euro 2024 final.
Last summer, Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in a £35 million deal, which collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window despite the defender having completed a medical.
Guardiola remains tight-lipped
City manager Pep Guardiola declined to comment on the transfer when questioned during his Friday news conference, stating, "nothing to say."
Glasner praised Guehi's professionalism amid months of transfer speculation, acknowledging that once a player decides to leave, "a deal will happen."
"Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever. He showed 100% commitment to the team and to Crystal Palace. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is a fantastic guy."
Oliver Glasner
What's next for City and Palace
City face Manchester United in a high-stakes Premier League derby at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Guardiola's focus likely to remain on domestic challenges.
For Palace, the departure of both Guehi and Glasner signals a period of transition as the club prepares for life without two of its key figures.
