Marc Guehi was Crystal Palace’s greatest centre-half. His departure leaves a void | OneFootball

Marc Guehi has left Crystal Palace for Manchester City in a £20 million move completed on Monday. According to NY Times, the captain’s exit closes four and a half years at the club and leaves a void.

He arrived from Chelsea with no Premier League minutes and departs an FA Cup and Community Shield-winning captain, an England regular and a club hero. In his message he praised south London’s community and the fans’ backing.

His signing marked a shift to younger recruits for development and profit. He exceeded that brief, forging a partnership with Joachim Andersen, then captaining Palace to a first major trophy.

With six months left on his deal, Palace make a small profit on the £18m fee after he indicated he would not renew. He never agitated for a move, staying professional after a £35m move to Liverpool collapsed in the summer, continuing to perform.

Roy Hodgson once tipped him as a future England captain before softening the claim. Patrick Vieira gave him the armband at 21, and Guehi has spoken of the honour and weight of responsibility.

He guided Tyrick Mitchell on the left and led alongside the more experienced Andersen. Consistency and calm defined him, with aerial duels a relative limitation. Chelsea schooling and Oliver Glasner’s emphasis on clarity underpinned that excellence.

Replacing him for this fee looks impossible. Cover exists in Jefferson Lerma, the talented yet inconsistent Jaydee Canvot, and Chadi Riad, restricted to three appearances in 18 months through injuries.

Source: NY Times