Manchester City boost injury-hit defence with Guehi signing

Jan 19 : Manchester City have signed England centre back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League club said on Monday, as they look to close the gap on leaders Arsenal in the title race.

Financial details were not disclosed, but British media reported that the deal to sign the 25-year-old international - who had six months left on his Palace contract - was worth around 20 million pounds ($26.84 million).

Guehi's arrival is a timely boost for City, who have been dealing with a defensive injury crisis involving Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones.

Guehi becomes City's second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

"It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City," City director of football Hugo Viana said in a statement.

"I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve."

The signing represents a major coup for City, given that he was close to joining reigning Premier League champions Liverpool on transfer deadline day last year before the move fell through.

He had also reportedly attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich.

'BEST CLUB IN ENGLAND'

A product of the Chelsea academy, Guehi joined Palace in 2021 and went on to make 188 appearances for the South London club, eventually captaining them.

He led Palace to victory in the FA Cup last season - the first major trophy in their 164-year history - and later lifted the Community Shield in August.

Guehi has