Manchester City have confirmed the signing of England centre-back Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, completing a deal worth an initial £20 million with additional performance-based add-ons.

The 25-year-old defender has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031, reinforcing City’s back line midway through the season as injury concerns mount.

Guéhi arrived in Manchester on Sunday to complete his medical and finalize personal terms. While he is not eligible to feature in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League group-stage clash against Bodo/Glimt, the defender could make his debut in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Wolves at the Etihad.

Speaking after completing the move, Guéhi said:
“I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player.”

“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.”

“I love football — it has given me so much for so long — and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.”

“I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.”

According to ESPN that Manchester City accelerated their pursuit of Guéhi following injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, and John Stones, leaving Pep Guardiola short of defensive options during a congested fixture schedule.

Club officials had already identified Guéhi as a priority target for the upcoming summer window, particularly with the defender potentially leaving Crystal Palace on a free transfer. The opportunity to secure his signature in January prompted City to move decisively.

Guéhi, a former Chelsea academy graduate, becomes City’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the £64 million acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

According to ESPN that Semenyo was also on City’s summer shortlist before the club opted to complete the deal earlier than planned.
Like Guéhi, Semenyo is ineligible to face Bodo/Glimt but both players are expected to be registered in time for the Champions League knockout stages.

Manchester City sources view the commitment of Guéhi and Semenyo—both entering their prime years—as further validation of the club’s long-term project, despite strong competition from elite Premier League and European rivals.

Director of Football Hugo Viana praised the signing, saying: “It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City.”

“Marc is entering the prime years of his career. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt.”