In what is being described as one of the "bargains of the decade," Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi for an initial fee of £20 million.
The deal, confirmed by multiple sources on Friday, January 16, 2026, represents a significant victory for Pep Guardiola, who has successfully "gazumped" Liverpool and Bayern Munich to secure the England international’s signature mid-season.
The "Perfect Storm" of a Transfer
The move accelerated rapidly over the last 24 hours due to a unique set of circumstances at both clubs:
City’s Injury Crisis: Guardiola’s hand was forced after Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and Rúben Dias (hamstring) were both ruled out for significant periods. With John Stones also sidelined, City were left with 20-year-old Max Alleyne as their only natural partner for Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Contract Leverage: Guéhi is in the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park and had already informed the club he would not be renewing. To avoid losing their captain for free in June, Palace opted to bank the £20m (potentially rising to £30m with add-ons) now.
The Liverpool Revenge: Liverpool were widely expected to sign Guéhi on a free transfer this summer after a £35m deal fell through on deadline day in September 2025. City’s decision to pay a fee now has effectively ended the Reds' pursuit.
Oliver Glasner’s "Bombshell" Press Conference
On the same day the Guéhi news broke, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner delivered a double blow to the Eagles' faithful by announcing he will also leave the club at the end of the season.
Oliver Glasner (Jan 16, 2026): "My understanding is the deal for Marc is in the final stages. He won't be in the squad for Sunderland tomorrow. I wanted Marc to stay forever, but once a player wants to move and the contract is where it is, a deal happens. I wish him the best; he is a fantastic guy."
The Verdict: While Palace fans are reeling from the loss of both their captain and manager in one day, City have secured a ready-made Premier League leader for a fraction of his true value. Guéhi’s composure and ball-playing ability make him the "perfect" Guardiola defender.