Manchester City Intensify Pursuit of Crystal Palace Captain Marc Guehi Amidst Defensive Injury Crisis

Key Takeaways:

• Manchester City have escalated their interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias on Sunday
• Marc Guehi has made 26 appearances for England since his debut in 2022 and is out of contract this summer
• European giants and Liverpool have also shown significant interest, while Palace may consider a January sale to avoid losing Guehi for free

City Assessing Defensive Options After Injuries

Manchester City are weighing the possibility of signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the current transfer window. Their evaluation comes on the back of recent injuries sustained by Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias in the club’s draw against Chelsea on Sunday. With John Stones also sidelined, City find themselves short of defensive options.

The club are expected to wait until the extent of Gvardiol and Dias’ injuries is clarified before deciding whether to formalise their pursuit of Guehi. However, BBC Sport sources have indicated that City’s interest has gathered pace, and a move for the defender in January remains on the table.

𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: #ManCity are exploring a January move for Marc Guehi! 🚨‼️

📰 @SamiMokbel_BBC pic.twitter.com/nEeEpAnabk

— City Report (@cityreport_) January 5, 2026

Contract Situation and European Interest

Marc Guehi, who has earned 26 England caps since his debut in 2022, is set to become a free agent this summer, sparking significant attention across Europe. His current deal at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season and, under market regulations, he is now permitted to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England.

Clubs with strong European pedigree, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter, and Atletico Madrid, have registered their interest in the Palace skipper, anticipating the possibility of securing his signature without a transfer fee.

Liverpool’s Ongoing Interest and Transfer Window Scenarios

Last summer, Guehi was close to joining Liverpool for £35 million before Palace withdrew from negotiations late on deadline day. The Anfield hierarchy maintain a keen interest in the player and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to act in the current window or wait to pursue him on a free transfer in the summer.

Both Manchester City and Liverpool are vying for Guehi’s signature as a potential free agent at the season’s conclusion. Nonetheless, Crystal Palace are now considering transferring their captain during this window to avoid the prospect of losing him for nothing.