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Manchester City have officially completed the £20 million ($27 million) signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international defender has signed a contract with City that runs until 2031, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s defence at a time when the team is struggling with injuries to key players like Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones.

Announcing the move, Manchester City stated: “Manchester City is delighted to confirm the signing of Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. An England international with 26 caps, Guéhi began his career at Chelsea before shining on loan with Swansea City during the 2020–21 campaign, helping them reach the Championship play-off final. He later joined Crystal Palace, where he became a key player.”

The club further highlighted his achievements: “After an outstanding performance at EURO 2024, where he played a crucial role in England’s journey to the final, Guéhi was appointed club captain by Oliver Glasner ahead of the 2024–25 season. In his first year as Palace captain, he guided the team to their first-ever major trophy and European qualification after lifting the FA Cup against City last May. This success was followed by an FA Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley in August. In total, the defender made 188 appearances and scored 11 goals for the Eagles.”

Guehi’s arrival marks City’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, taking their total spending for the month to £85 million.

Speaking to City’s official website, Guehi expressed his delight: “I am extremely happy and proud to become a Manchester City player. This move feels like the reward for all the hard work I’ve put into my career so far. I’m now at the best club in England, surrounded by an incredible group of players. It’s a great feeling to say that. I want to continue growing both as a player and as a person, and I know this club will help me do that. Football has given me so much, and being able to keep developing at Manchester City is very special for me and my family.”

He added: “I honestly can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, working hard in training, understanding what the manager expects from me, and showing the City fans what I can bring to the team.”

City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised the new signing: “It’s clear that Marc has been among the best defenders in English football for some time, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Manchester City. He’s a massive talent who will make us stronger. Despite being just 25, he’s already proven to be a leader, a consummate professional, and hungry to keep improving. He’s powerful, defensively sharp, reads the game brilliantly, and plays with great energy and passion. We’re delighted that he chose to join us. Marc is entering the prime of his career, and I’m sure every City fan is excited to see him in a sky blue shirt.”

Guehi came close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but Crystal Palace blocked the move on transfer deadline day. He now joins a Manchester City side that remains in contention for the Premier League title, currently seven points behind Arsenal. The team is also in a strong position in the Carabao Cup, having beaten Newcastle 2–0 in the first leg of their semi-final, and has advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Guehi will be ineligible to play in City’s Champions League fixtures against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray, but he can feature in the knockout stages if the team progresses.

The defender is expected to make his debut for City at home against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

Commenting on the team environment, Guehi said: “This squad is full of experience, with players who have achieved incredible things at the highest level. There are also many exciting young players coming through who are eager to make their mark. With Antoine [Semenyo] joining as well, who’s already proven his quality in the Premier League, it’s fantastic. I just want to contribute, fit in with the group, and do my part while continuing to improve.”