Man City Launch Official Assault on Crystal Palace Star Marc Guehi
Manchester City have allegedly made a £30 million ($40.2 million) offer for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, who now holds the keys to his own future.
Many anticipated that Guéhi would remain until his contract runs out this summer before departing Palace—a scenario that manager Oliver Glasner forecasted as recently as mid-December. This situation would have created a fascinating battle for the center-back's services, with clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich competing against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for the free agent.
Nevertheless, City's pressing requirement for defensive additions has significantly changed the situation.
Pep Guardiola will be missing Rúben Dias for at least another month while Joško Gvardiol is expected to be "sidelined for an extended period" due to a leg fracture. John Stones continues to occupy the medical room, compelling 20-year-old Max Alleyne into emergency duty after being hastily brought back from his loan at Watford.
While all of Guéhi's other potential destinations were willing to wait for a summer transfer battle, City have made their move this month. Fabrizio Romano initially reported that Guardiola's team had made a "significant approach" for the 25-year-old, later confirming reports from Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany that a £30 million bid had been submitted.
Palace were believed to be seeking around £40 million for their club captain despite his contract situation. However, this amount still represents a substantial profit, particularly as Palace had reportedly agreed to a £35 million fee with Liverpool for Guéhi's transfer last summer before a last-minute reversal. Six months, 33 matches and three goals later, Palace would only miss out on £5 million.
With the Eagles reportedly viewing the offer details positively and personal terms not expected to be problematic for Guéhi, the only remaining factor is whether the player wants to join City immediately.
Will Marc Guehi Accept Man City Proposal?
Will Marc Guehi Accept Man City Proposal?
Without a contract renewal on the horizon, Guéhi faces significant choices this year. Should he reject City's offer, this merely postpones his decision for six months when even more teams will be competing for his signature.
While City would benefit from his immediate arrival, there's no certainty he'll remain in such high demand once everyone recovers from injury. Gvardiol has been repositioned as a center-back this season, creating a solid partnership with Dias while Nico O'Reilly continues to outperform £31 million summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri in the left-back competition.
Among his numerous summer suitors, Arsenal present even fewer prospects for regular playing time, with Gabriel and William Saliba rarely being benched.
Liverpool might offer the 25-year-old a starting position if Ibrahima Konaté departs when his contract expires, providing Guéhi one season partnering Virgil van Dijk before potentially taking over from the commanding captain.
Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona possess significant center-back depth, while the possibility of a free transfer would likely prove more financially rewarding for Guéhi (and his representative) considering the substantial signing bonuses free agents can negotiate.
Disrupting his entire life six months before a maiden World Cup appearance must certainly factor into Guéhi's considerations, especially given his consistent loyalty and appreciation for his current environment. When asked about his failed Liverpool transfer last summer, the England international confidently stated that "it wasn't challenging" having to remain at Crystal Palace.
"I believe that God has a plan for me and whatever that plan may be will materialize eventually," he stated. "But the objective and concentration has always been playing football and attempting to perform at my highest level."