Marc Guéhi Set for Crystal Palace Exit as Manchester City Close In

Marc Guéhi is edging closer to a departure from Crystal Palace, with Manchester City locked in advanced negotiations to sign the England defender before the January transfer window closes.

Sky Sports News understands talks between City and Palace are at an advanced stage, with an agreement over a transfer fee believed to be close for the 25-year-old centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Guéhi is currently in the final six months of his deal, placing Palace under pressure to sell now rather than risk losing their captain on a free transfer in the summer.

Glasner Confirms Transfer Near Completion

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has all but confirmed Guéhi’s imminent exit, revealing the defender is in the “final stages” of a move and will not feature in Palace’s trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

“My latest understanding is that a deal with Marc is in the final stages,” Glasner said.
“I can’t confirm a club because it’s still not done, but it’s in the final stages. The result is that Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”

The decision to leave Guéhi out of the matchday squad underlines how close the transfer is to completion.

Manchester City Step Up Defensive Reinforcements

Manchester City’s interest has intensified significantly in the last 24 hours, with Pep Guardiola keen to strengthen his defensive options following injuries to key centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

City are understood to be the only club currently willing to strike a deal in this window, despite long-standing interest from several European heavyweights. Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all been monitoring Guéhi’s situation, but their plans centre on a free transfer in the summer, rather than paying a January fee.

That dynamic has given City a clear advantage — provided they make an offer attractive enough to satisfy both Palace and the player.

Guardiola Keeps Cards Close

When asked directly about Guéhi during his press conference ahead of City’s Manchester derby clash, Guardiola remained tight-lipped.

“I have nothing to say,” the City boss responded, declining to be drawn into speculation.

From Palace Captain to City Target

Guéhi has been a standout performer since joining Palace from Chelsea in 2021, developing into one of the Premier League’s most consistent central defenders and earning the club captaincy. His leadership, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s possession-based system.

The defender came close to leaving Selhurst Park last summer, with a £35 million move to Liverpool collapsing on Deadline Day, but his future now appears set to be resolved before the end of January.

Another Busy Window for City

Should the deal go through, Guéhi would become Manchester City’s second signing of the January window, following the £64 million acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The England international would also represent Guardiola’s 15th signing in the past year, underlining City’s aggressive squad refresh.

What Happens Next?

With Palace preparing for life without their captain and City accelerating talks, Guéhi’s transfer is expected to be concluded imminently. If completed, the move would see one of England’s most reliable defenders step onto the biggest domestic stage, while Crystal Palace face the challenge of replacing a leader at the heart of their defence.

Marc Guéhi

Source: Skysports.com

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