Marc Guehi completes Manchester City move

Manchester City have announced the signing of England centre-back Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old, who was close to joining Liverpool last year, has penned a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium after the clubs agreed a £20 million fee.

He is City’s second signing of the January transfer window following their £62.5 million capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

It is understood City had been monitoring Guehi for some time and were considering a move in the summer, when he would have been a free agent. They decided to act this month after being hit by a defensive injury crisis.

Guehi had been linked with a number of clubs and is pleased the speculation over his future can now end.

“It’s a relief,” he said. “I’m very proud and very excited to get started. I’m very grateful to God.

“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.

“I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”

Guehi’s arrival continues a rebuild of Pep Guardiola’s squad that began with the signing of four players last year and included six further additions in the summer.

The former Chelsea youth player is not eligible to play in Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Bodo/Glimt but can be registered later in the competition. He could make his debut against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

Guehi, who has 26 England caps, captained Palace as they won the FA Cup last season, the first major trophy in their history.

He joined the Eagles from Chelsea in 2021 after a successful loan spell with Swansea.

Reflecting