England centre-back Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace - just months after seeing a transfer to Liverpool collapse
Manchester City have completed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace
Manchester City have completed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Marc Guehi couldn’t resist a sly dig at Liverpool after completing his £30m move to Manchester City. The defender becomes Pep Guardiola's second January arrival after Antoine Semenyo joined for £64million.
Guehi moves to the Etihad Stadium after the injuries to defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. The former Chelsea star has been linked with a number of clubs and was close to joining Liverpool late in the summer window.
The move to Anfield collapsed at the last minute to leave Arne Slot short in defence. Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park was due to expire at the end of the season, and he has now signed a deal with City until 2031.
And after putting pen to paper on his deal, he declared he had joined 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. 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."
Palace's chairman Steve Parish said: “There is never an easy time to bid farewell to a player of Marc's calibre and character, but we respect his desire to play football at the highest level.
"Marc’s qualities on the pitch speak for themselves. His talent as a footballer continues to shine for both club and country, and he has truly matured, during his time in South London, into a top-class defender, a leader on the field, and a vital player for his country.
"But it is equally important to recognise Marc Guehi the man – a South London local with an exemplary mentality on and off the pitch, and whose leadership saw him go on to captain the club at an early age, before leading us to one of our finest days at Wembley Stadium. Marc's humble character and maturity throughout his time with us is a shining beacon in today's game.
"He will stay in all our hearts, and – although it is sad to bid him farewell – he deserves to depart with our very best wishes for the future. Good luck, Marc – and thank you.”
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi has signed for Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
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While City director of football Hugo Viana believes his club have signed one of the outstanding defenders in the country. He said: "It's 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.
"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."
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