Manchester City eyes top Premier League defender

Manchester City Set to Open Talks for Crystal Palace Captain Marc Guéhi

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to open formal talks over the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, with the England international increasingly seen as the ideal addition to Pep Guardiola’s evolving defensive unit.

The Premier League giants have stepped up their interest in recent weeks, and reports suggest City are now leading the race for one of the division’s most consistent centre-backs. Guéhi is currently in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, having narrowly missed out on a move to Liverpool on deadline day of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea, Guéhi has developed into one of the league’s standout defenders. He is admired for his composure in possession, positional intelligence, and calm leadership at the back qualities that align perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical demands. At 24, he is also entering the prime years of his career, making him an attractive long-term investment.

According to reports, City view Guéhi as a Premier League-proven option who can seamlessly adapt to their possession-based system. His tactical flexibility and experience at the top level have placed him high on Guardiola’s shortlist, especially amid ongoing questions surrounding the long-term futures of some of City’s senior defenders.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would represent a significant step up in Guéhi’s career and another clear statement of intent from Manchester City as they aim to maintain domestic dominance and push further in European competition.

For Crystal Palace, however, Guéhi’s potential departure would mark the end of a key era and signal the beginning of a major rebuild at the heart of their defence a challenge that could define their next phase as a club.