Marc Guehi becomes Manchester City’s second-highest earner after Palace move

Manchester City have completed the signing of England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for £20 million, as Pep Guardiola looks to shore up a struggling backline.

The 25-year-old joins on a five-and-a-half-year deal after undergoing a medical on Sunday, with the move set to provide experience and leadership amid injuries to key defenders.

Experience to steady City’s defence

Guehi, a Chelsea academy graduate, has made 188 appearances for Palace since 2021, including 33 this season.

He has been a key figure in the Eagles’ rise, captaining the team to a shock FA Cup win over City last May. He also played a major role in England’s run to the 2024 European Championship final.

Speaking on his move, Guehi said: “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.”

The defender arrives after City were forced to field a makeshift back four in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, featuring three players aged 21 or under.

Guehi’s presence is expected to add organisation, giving Guardiola more tactical options for both domestic and European fixtures.

Guehi becomes second highest earner at City

Guehi puts pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract worth eye-watering £300,000 per week.

City were willing to offer Guehi the mammoth deal because of the relatively modest transfer fee paid to the Eagles as his Selhurst Park contract expired at the end of the season.

Only Erling Haaland on an astronomical £525,000 per week earns more than Guehi in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Guehi’s £300,000 is matched by Bernardo Silva with Omar Marmoush just behind on £295,000.

Statistical edge and tactical value

Guehi ranks among the Premier League’s top 10 centre-backs for clean sheets, duels won, aerial duels won, and line-breaking passes since last season.

This term, he is also in the top 10 for interceptions, recoveries, and duel success. His ability to anticipate play, recover possession, and distribute from the back is expected to improve City’s defensive stability, which has been inconsistent in recent months.

The move follows City’s earlier signing of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo for £62.5 million, reflecting the club’s push to strengthen key areas as they chase Premier League and Champions League success.

Guehi’s arrival provides both leadership and quality to a defence that has faced scrutiny and injuries, and his integration into Guardiola’s squad is expected to have an immediate impact.

With his experience at international and club level, Guehi is seen as a long-term solution to City’s defensive concerns.