Man City and Crystal Palace will both look to be active this January.placeholder image
Man City and Crystal Palace will both look to be active this January. | Getty Images
Manchester City are interested in an Eagles star and may launch a stunning swap deal
Manchester City will feel that they still have a strong chance of taking back their Premier League title crown this season, with the January transfer window coming at the perfect time to add to Pep Guardiola’s squad with the purpose of pushing Arsenal all the way.
While they might appear to have an embarrassment of riches in attacking areas, the likes of Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush have been linked with exits and one or two of the trio look likely to depart in 2026. With the attack apparently sorted, attention turns to the Cityzens defence, which was dealt a massive double injury blow as we entered the new year.
Man City step up Marc Guehi interest following injury crisis
The 25-year-old is expected to leave Selhurst Park in 2026 with his contract up in June, but a mid-season exit is not out of the question – particularly if City come calling with the promise of a key role in a potential title push.
BBC Sport reported on Monday that City are ‘emerging as contenders’ to sign Guehi in January, with a winter move not to be discounted after interest ‘progressed’.
A stumbling block, however, could arrive in the shape of a transfer fee for the England international. GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs reports on X that the Eagles are set to demand ‘more than’ the £35m fee they agreed with Liverpool on deadline day, while City have ‘no plans to go that high’ if they submit a bid. They may, therefore, look for an alternative way in which to get a deal done.
Man City may look to seal Crystal Palace swap deal
Man City could offer on-loan defender Manuel Akanji to Crystal Palace as part of a deal for Guehi in order to get a transfer over the line. While the 30-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at Inter Milan, the Etihad outfit may opt to recall the Switzerland international from Serie A in order to include him as part of a swap deal for Guehi.
Palace were interested in Akanji over the summer and following his strong performances for Inter, he would be an ideal replacement for Guehi which may see the club soften their stance on losing him mid-season. They would likely demand a fee on top of Akanji, but a player-plus-cash deal would also solve any issues regarding a large transfer fee for Guehi, killing two birds with one stone.
The arrival of Guehi in addition to Semenyo might ultimately be the catalyst for a new era of success at the Etihad. City never look far away from winning it all and with both the Premier League and Champions League in addition to both domestic cups still up for grabs, trophy success this season could see a new generation of City players get their first taste of glory.
The prospect of Guardiola’s relentless side beginning a new era of domination is no doubt a scary one for rival fans, but the reality is that they could be just a signing or two away.
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