The Ivory Coast-born centre-back brings a wealth of proven experience in the Premier League to a Manchester City defense that is depleted and desperate for reinforcements after the recent injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.
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Max Alleyne has been thrown into the deep end by Pep Guardiola since the 20-year-old Manchester City academy graduate was recalled from his loan at Watford earlier this month, with the youngster starting all four of his boyhood club’s games since then.
City got off to a fast start in the January transfer window by signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £64m, and the 26-year-old got off to a fast start at the Etihad Stadium by scoring his first goals against Exeter City and Newcastle United.
The Blues remain in contention for silverware on four fronts and with Dias and Gvardiol sidelined, Guehi is expected to play a pivotal role in defending Guardiola and co in the second half of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester City’s acquisition of the former Crystal Palace captain:
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What are the conditions of Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City from Crystal Palace?
Guehi joined Manchester City for a £20m transfer fee, with the Englishman signing a five-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2030-31 campaign.
Crystal Palace are understood to have included a percentage sell-on clause in the deal, the value of which has yet to be revealed in the press.
City agreed a weekly wage in the region of £300,000 with Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer only for a move to fall through at the last minute.
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What did Marc Guehi say when signing for Manchester City?
On joining Manchester City, Guehi said: “I am very 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.
“Now I’m at the best club in England and I’m part of an incredible team of players. It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and as a person, and I know that at this club that’s going to happen.
“I love football, it has given me so much for so long and to be able to continue my
The development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family. I can’t wait to start now.
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“I want to get to know my team-mates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.”
What has Hugo Viana said about the closed agreement?
After engineering the acquisition of Guehi from Selhurst Park, Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana said: “It is clear that Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City.
“I feel we have signed a great talent who will help us improve. He is only 25 years old, but he has already shown that he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.”
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“He is strong, has exceptional defensive qualities, is an intelligent reader of the game and brings passion and energy every time he steps on the field.
“Marc is entering the best years of his career. I’m sure all City fans are excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt.”
What shirt number has Marc Guehi selected at Manchester City?
Guehi will wear the number 15 shirt for Manchester City, a number that has already been worn by Eliaquim Mangala, Jesús Navas, Stefan Savic, Martin Petrov and Alfie Haaland.
Are there any clauses involved in the deal?
Crystal Palace are believed to have inserted a percentage sell-on clause into their £20m sale of Guehi to Manchester City.
When could Marc Guehi debut at Manchester City?
Guehi will not be able to play for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League until the round of 16, causing the former Eagles captain to miss Tuesday night’s group stage clash against Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
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City’s new signing is expected to make his debut against Wolves on Saturday as Guardiola and company bid for their first Premier League win of 2026.
Are more signings expected from Manchester City?
Manchester City are not expected to make any further signings in January, although potential first-team departures in the final weeks of the window are expected to dictate any business the club may pursue beyond Semenyo and Guehi.