City set to rival Liverpool for premier league star | OneFootball

Manchester City and Liverpool battle for Marc Guéhi transfer

Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Marc Guéhi, the England centre-back currently captaining Crystal Palace, creating fresh competition with Liverpool, according to CaughtOffside. While there is no confirmation of a bid or formal offer from City, they are understood to be preparing to rival Liverpool for Guéhi’s signature in 2026.

Guéhi came close to joining Liverpool in the recently closed transfer window. The deal had progressed to the medical stage and a fee was agreed, yet Crystal Palace pulled out after struggling to find a suitable replacement. This left both clubs keenly observing the next opportunity to secure one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders.

City view Guéhi as a priority

Football Insider reports that City see Guéhi as a top target and a clear contender for defensive reinforcement. They may aim to secure his services either when he becomes available on a free next summer or attempt an earlier bargain deal. Guéhi has been a central figure at Palace since 2021, earning the captaincy and regular England call-ups through consistent performances.

For City, adding Guéhi could provide significant stability to a defence that, despite having John Stones and Ruben Dias, still lacks a long-term, dominant presence at centre-back. Competing directly with Liverpool signals the club’s ambition in the market, where timing and negotiation will be critical factors.

Liverpool remain keen to bring Guéhi to Anfield, with the defender long understood to be Arne Slot’s top target. Securing him would bolster a defensive line that has seen gaps exposed since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in July 2025. Slot, who took over following Klopp’s departure in May 2024, has emphasised the need to strengthen the spine of the team, making Guéhi a perfect fit for his tactical vision.

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The next steps depend on the manoeuvres of both City and Liverpool. Ideally, both clubs would like to agree terms in January and wait until the summer transfer window to sign him on a free. However, a clever move in the winter window could see one club outmanoeuvre the other. Guéhi has consistently performed at a high level for both Palace and England, and his availability is set to trigger one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer races.

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From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Guéhi represents a rare opportunity to add a young, talented, and reliable centre-back. His leadership qualities, having captained Crystal Palace, coupled with his defensive awareness and versatility, make him an ideal acquisition. Slot’s long-term planning appears focused on creating a resilient defensive core, and Guéhi fits perfectly into this vision. Losing out to City would be frustrating, especially considering how close the club came to securing him in the previous window.

For Manchester City supporters, the prospect of Guéhi joining Pep Guardiola’s side adds excitement. City have a history of recruiting top-level talent to strengthen key positions, and Guéhi would provide both immediate quality and long-term potential. Adding him would not only fortify the backline but also send a message to rivals about City’s ambition and strategic planning in the transfer market.

Ultimately, this transfer saga will be closely watched by fans of both clubs, as Guéhi’s decision could shape the Premier League’s defensive landscape for years to come.