Oliver Glasner had already announced it, and now it’s official: Marc Guehi is leaving Crystal Palace six months before the end of his contract and joining Manchester City.
“His transfer is in the final stages,” Oliver Glasner had already announced at the press conference before Crystal Palace’s game at AFC Sunderland, where Marc Guehi was no longer part of the Eagles’ squad due to the impending transfer. Now his departure to Manchester City is official. He has signed a contract until summer 2031.
For the 25-year-old, who had matured under Glasner to become one of the most sought-after center backs in recent months, his time at Palace thus ends ingloriously: his last game was the embarrassing FA Cup exit to sixth-tier Macclesfield FC.
Yet the captain’s four-and-a-half years at the club, having joined Chelsea FC in 2021 after successful loan spells at Swansea, were marked by plenty of positive memories. Last season, he celebrated the Eagles’ first title in club history with the FA Cup victory. Guehi, who played 152 Premier League games for the Eagles, also established himself as one of England’s best defenders. He is also an integral part of the national team under Thomas Tuchel.
According to media reports, ManCity is paying a hefty €23 million plus bonuses, even though Guehi’s contract would have expired in the summer. In addition, Palace is said to have secured a resale clause. “This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put into my career. I’m now at the best club in England and part of an incredible team. It feels good to be able to say that,” the Skyblues quote their new signing as saying.
ManCity avoids bidding war in summer
With this early transfer, ManCity is preempting a bidding war for Guehi in the summer—other top clubs were also interested. On the other hand, the Premier League runners-up are responding to their personnel shortage in defense, where three center backs, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol, are currently out. While Stones and Dias (both with thigh problems) are expected to be fit again by at least mid-February, Gvardiol will be out for months with a broken shin.
Palace, meanwhile, is seizing its last chance to get at least a small transfer fee for Guehi after Glasner prevented a transfer to Liverpool at the last minute in the summer. Once again, the Eagles’ outgoing coach was less than enthusiastic, especially about the club agreeing to the transfer one day before the Sunderland game.