Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi after agreeing a deal in principle for the England defender, with the move now expected to be finalised before the end of the January transfer window.
BBC Sport understands talks between the two clubs have accelerated over the past 24 hours, while transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the development, indicating City have moved decisively to secure the 25-year-old’s signature.
City moves swiftly amid defensive injury crisis
Manchester City stepped up their interest in Guéhi earlier this month following injuries to key defenders Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, leaving Pep Guardiola short of senior options in central defence during a crucial phase of the season.
Guéhi, who is out of contract in the summer, has long been admired across Europe and has previously attracted interest from several elite clubs.
His contract situation has made him a particularly attractive option, with Palace open to a January sale if their valuation was met.
BBC Sport previously reported that City were exploring a move for the former Chelsea defender, and negotiations have since gathered pace.
Guéhi is now expected to sign a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, with personal terms not yet finalised but not thought to be a stumbling block.
Guardiola tight-lipped as Palace confirm talks
Asked about City’s interest in Guéhi during a news conference on Friday, Guardiola declined to comment, responding simply: “Nothing to say.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner, however, appeared to acknowledge the advanced stage of negotiations.
“My understanding is the deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said, adding that Guéhi would not be included in Palace’s squad to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.
Earlier this month, Glasner had made it clear that the club would consider selling their captain during the January window if the right offer arrived.
A defender in demand
Marc Guéhi’s rise has been marked by consistency and leadership.
Since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs and has become a regular member of the England squad.
He captained Palace to a memorable FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May and also lifted the Community Shield after a win against Liverpool at the start of the current season, underlining his growing reputation in high-pressure matches.
A move to Liverpool had appeared imminent last summer. Guéhi was close to joining Arne Slot’s side on deadline day in a £35m deal and had already begun a medical, only for the transfer to collapse in the final hours.
City’s busy January window
Guéhi would become City’s second major signing of the window, following the £62.5m arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth as Guardiola reshapes his squad for the second half of the campaign.
With City competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe, the addition of Guéhi is seen as both a short-term solution to their defensive injury problems and a long-term investment in one of England’s most composed defenders.
While final details remain to be completed, all indications suggest the move is edging closer, with City confident of adding Guéhi to their squad before the window closes.
