Manchester City have announced the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year contract – just months after he nearly joined Liverpool
Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City just months after seeing a move to Liverpool collapse(Image: (Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Marc Guehi has outlined his motivation behind joining Manchester City after completing a £20m transfer from Crystal Palace. The England international becomes Pep Guardiola’s second January arrival after Antoine Semenyo joined for £64million.
He has signed a contract until 2031, and the move comes just months after Guehi came close to joining Liverpool. A £35million move to Anfield collapsed on deadline day when Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour after failing to secure a replacement.
The ECHO understands that the Reds had remained keen on the player and willing to put together an offer in the summer when the England international was expected to attract a host of suitors.
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However, with Guehi’s contract set to expire in the summer, Palace made the decision to cash in on their captain. And Guehi believes by joining City, he is joining the best club in England.
He said: “I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player. This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career.
“I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.
“I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.
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“I love football – it has given me so much for so long – and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.
“I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.”
Guehi is ineligible for their Champions League group-stage games against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray and could make his debut in the Premier League against Wolves on Saturday.
And City director of football Hugo Viana said: “It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City.
“I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.
“He is strong, has exceptional defensive qualities, is an intelligent reader of the game, and brings passion and energy every time he steps onto the pitch. I am so pleased it was us he chose to join.
“Marc is entering the prime years of his career. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt.”
