Marc Guehi praises Manchester City duo including defensive star viewed as a ‘big brother’ | OneFootball

Manchester City’s newest recruit Marc Guehi has taken no time to heap praise on two members of Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of his debut for the club in the coming days.

Guehi completed a £20 million transfer to City from Crystal Palace on Monday, signing a five-and-a-half year contract on a weekly wage reportedly just south of £300,000.

The England international attracted huge interest from elite clubs across Europe but Manchester City’s desire to do a January deal, the financial package on offer and Guehi’s desire of winning major trophies saw the Blues win the race for the defender.

After coming desperately close to joining Liverpool last summer, Guehi’s move to Merseyside fell apart and as he entered the last six months of his Crystal Palace deal, Manchester City pursued the signing of the Chelsea academy graduate to bolster their backline in the wake of injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

In his first interview upon joining Manchester City, Guehi touched on his admiration for England international and now club teammates – Phil Foden and John Stones.

“Phil’s amazing. I could go on and on and on about him,” Guehi said, in conversation with official club media. “Just him as a person, before the footballer, he’s amazing. Someone who has that inner child in him – just wants to play, enjoy life, he’s always been like that.

“He’s never changed and it’s an honour to play with him. As a footballer, he’s second to none – natural ability, winner, obsessed. I’m really glad to be able to play with him on a consistent basis now.”

Guehi is set to make his Manchester City debut against Wolves on Saturday as the Blues search for their first Premier League victory of 2026, having claimed just three points in their last four league outings against Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester United.

The London-born star is expected to partner one of Max Alleyne, Nathan Ake or Abdukodir Khusanov should he start against Wolves as Dias, Gvardiol and Stones remain unfit.

“John (Stones) has taken me under his wing,” Guehi added on the 31-year-old, who was one of Guardiola’s first signings at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016. “Especially when I’m with the (England) National Team, I see him as a big brother.

“He’s someone who has looked out for me, playing with him at the (2024) Euros was amazing. He just makes your life easier, because of his understanding of the game, how good he is. But the person, such a down-to-earth guy, especially with all he’s achieved. Such an amazing person and I’m really delighted to play with him.”

On the talent within the wider Manchester City squad, Guehi said: “Amazing experience within, so many players that have played such a high level, won so many things, but also so many exciting young players who have come in to do their best.

“The arrival of Antoine (Semenyo), an amazing player and proven himself in the Premier League. It’s fantastic. I just want to come and help, just do my part, be one of the lads, just try and improve.”

Guardiola is desperate for cover in defence and after City were handed their second defeat in four days by Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League in Norway, nothing less than three points will do against Wolves this weekend.