Marc Guehi’s first words as Man City player after £20million deal clinched
Manchester City have secured the services of England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a deal worth an initial £20 million.
The 25-year-old centre-back has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.
Speaking after finalising the transfer, Guehi expressed his emotions about the move. “It’s a relief,” he said. “I’m very proud and very excited to get started. I’m very grateful to God.”
The Palace captain underwent a medical on Sunday following agreement on personal terms, bringing an end to months of speculation about his future.
Marc Guehi has joined Man City for £20million from Crystal Palace
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The defender made clear his admiration for his new employers.
“I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players,” Guehi declared. “It feels good to be able to say that.”
He spoke of his determination to develop further at the highest level. “I’ve always been obsessed with getting better and to improve,” he explained.
“That’s something I’m constantly striving for and I think this is the perfect place for me to do that.”
The 26-cap international also referenced his previous visits to the Etihad as an opponent. “When the stadium’s rocking, it’s unbelievable,” Guehi added.
“I’ve been on the end of some losses here and when it’s loud, it’s loud. I’m really looking forward to being here.”
Guehi’s arrival addresses a pressing defensive shortage for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Josko Gvardiol ruled out for the remainder of the campaign and both Ruben Dias and John Stones also sidelined through injury.
The situation had become so acute that City recalled academy prospect Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford a fortnight ago to provide cover.
Guehi represents the club’s second acquisition of the January transfer window, following the £64 million capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth earlier this month.
The combined outlay takes City’s spending during this window to approximately £84 million.
Antoine Semenyo has also signed for City this month
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REUTERS
The transfer brings to a close a saga that began last summer, when Guehi came within touching distance of joining Liverpool in a £35 million deal on deadline day before Palace withdrew from negotiations.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich had also been monitoring the situation, with both clubs reportedly keen to secure his signature on a free transfer this coming summer.
Marc Guehi’s contract at Crystal Palace was up in the summer
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PA
Palace manager Oliver Glasner voiced his frustration at the club’s hierarchy following Saturday’s defeat at Sunderland.
“We feel that we’re being abandoned,” he said.
“Selling our captain one day before a game – there is no understanding for this.”
