Manchester City enter transfer battle with Liverpool to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are reportedly ready to battle Liverpool for the signature of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the summer of 2026.

The centre-back position has been an area of increasing interest at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola determined to build depth and long-term stability in his defensive line amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding a few profiles.

While Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Abdukodir Khusanov remain pivotal figures in the central roles, injury issues and contractual landscapes have prompted City to keep a close eye on future options, specifically concerning John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji.

Marc Guehi’s name has consistently surfaced when discussing reliable and Premier League-proven defenders, having established himself as Crystal Palace captain and a regular for the England national team.

The 25-year-old has earned plaudits for his composure, leadership, and ability to marshal a defensive line, and his intriguing contract situation at Selhurst Park now presents an opportunity that clubs at the very top of European football are keen to exploit.

Liverpool came close to sealing a deal for Guehi during the most recent transfer window, only for negotiations to dramatically collapse on deadline day – a setback that has likely opened the door for other contenders, with City emerging as one of several elite clubs evaluating a move.

That is according to a new report from The Mirror’s John Cross, who reports that Manchester City are now ready to rival Liverpool to sign Marc Guehi as a free agent next summer, with Etihad Stadium officials described as ‘huge admirers’ of the defender.

The England international’s collapsed move to Anfield on deadline day this summer is said to have alerted the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus, all of whom are reportedly ready to make a move for the Selhurst Park captain.

The report insists that there is ‘no chance’ of Guehi moving in January as he has reiterated his commitment to Crystal Palace this season, while fans of the south London club have been hugely supportive due to his conduct throughout the transfer saga involving Liverpool.

Looking ahead, City’s pursuit of Guehi could hinge on whether they prioritise securing another central defender as a free signing or explore other high-cost targets in the market, amid a need for recruitment in other positions, too.

Landing the Crystal Palace star without a transfer fee would represent a shrewd piece of business, following on from a number of strong transfers completed by City over the course of the summer in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Rayan Cherki in particular.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s ongoing need to refresh their defence may keep them firmly in the race, setting up a potential showdown between two of English football’s most powerful sides. Add in the looming presence of clubs such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and Guehi’s next move looks certain to be one of the biggest transfer stories of the new calendar year.