Marc Guehi Reveals the Two Stars Who Swayed Him Away from Liverpool Move
Marc Guéhi has disclosed that John Stones and Phil Foden were instrumental in persuading the defender to sign with Manchester City immediately, instead of waiting for Liverpool to make another approach.
Guéhi became City's second January acquisition following the previous signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, pushing winter expenditure beyond £80 million ($109.6 million)—spanning just three transfer windows since January 2025, City has invested £425.3 million on 12 new first-team players in their squad reconstruction efforts.
Pep Guardiola's team could have delayed signing Guéhi until his Crystal Palace contract expired, allowing them to acquire him as a free agent, which would have likely attracted Liverpool's interest after their September deal fell through. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were also reportedly interested, given the chance to secure one of the Premier League's finest centre-backs without paying a transfer fee.
However, the pressing circumstances at the Etihad Stadium, with Stones, Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol all sidelined through injury, and Nathan Aké requiring careful minute management, accelerated the timeline.
"We've been in discussions for some time and naturally spoke with various clubs," Guéhi informed reporters after his City debut in Saturday's 2–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"From our conversations and speaking with several players here, I sensed this was the right environment for my development, improvement and to contribute as much as I can. Phil and John, discussions with the manager, talks with [director of football] Hugo [Viana], so it's been excellent."
He has represented England alongside both Foden and Stones at international level, particularly with the former since their initial appearance for the U16s squad ten years ago.
Guéhi immediately assumed the role of senior centre-back in City's starting eleven, partnering with 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov and easing the burden on 20-year-old Max Alleyne, who was relegated to the bench for the crucial victory over Wolves.
Man City, Liverpool Signings Since January 2025
Man City, Liverpool Signings Since January 2025
Man City | Liverpool |
|---|---|
Abdukodir Khusanov (£33.6 million) | Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5 million) |
Vitor Reis (£29.6 million) | Florian Wirtz (£116 million) |
Omar Marmoush (£59 million) | Milos Kerkez (£40 million) |
Nico González (£50 million) | Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29 million) |
Rayan Aït-Nouri (£31.8 million) | Hugo Ekitiké (£79 million) |
Marcus Bettinelli (nominal undisclosed) | Giovanni Leoni (£30 million) |
Rayan Cherki (£34 million) | Alexander Isak (£125 million) |
Tijjani Reijnders (£46.3 million) | - |
James Trafford (£31 million) | - |
Gianluigi Donnarumma (£26 million) | - |
Antoine Semenyo (£64 million) | - |
Marc Guéhi (£20 million) | - |
Total: £425.3 million | Total: £448.5 million |
Guéhi Was 'Very Close' to Joining Liverpool
Guéhi Was 'Very Close' to Joining Liverpool
If circumstances had developed differently last summer, Manchester City wouldn't have had the opportunity to acquire Guéhi this month because he would already be wearing Liverpool colors.
The current Premier League champions were eager to add his signature to their ambitious summer recruitment drive heading into the season and reached a £35 million agreement with Palace at the very end of the transfer window. The deal was on the verge of completion until the Eagles withdrew when it became clear they couldn't secure a replacement before the deadline.
It was expected that Liverpool, dealing with limited centre-back options and the potential departure of Ibrahima Konaté as a free agent this summer, would return for him eventually. That opportunity no longer exists, but Guéhi confirmed he had been "very close" to making the move.
"The medical examination was essentially complete and then it was cancelled at the final moment. So, I was quite close," he explained. "I was fine [with the situation]. My approach is always to move forward to the next opportunity … whatever happens, happens. God has a plan for me. It was just about focusing on what I could contribute to Palace.
"It feels like this has been ongoing forever. But I'm simply pleased that I managed to complete the transfer. I'm truly confident this is the right place for my improvement and development as a player."