Top Premier League club enters race for Marc Guehi; hammer blow for Liverpool

Last Updated on 5 January 2026

January windows rarely stay quiet for long. Injuries, contract deadlines and market pressure have a habit of dragging clubs into moves they never planned to make.

And, that’s exactly what happened with Manchester City dealing with two injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

That has seen the Citizens enter the race for Marc Guehi and it’s terrible news for Liverpool and their long-term interest in the 25-year-old.

Manchester City step up interest in Marc Guehi

City are emerging as serious contenders to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the January window, with defensive injuries forcing a reassessment at the Etihad.

According to BBC Sport, City’s interest has accelerated following issues suffered by Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias during the draw with Chelsea, while John Stones also remains sidelined.

Although City will wait on full medical clarity before committing, sources indicate the club’s internal discussions have moved beyond background monitoring.

Guehi, 25, is out of contract in the summer and has long been expected to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent. He has been excellent this season for the Eagles.

However, City’s growing urgency could change that timeline.

Palace are aware that January may represent their final chance to secure a fee rather than losing their captain for nothing. A winter move is now firmly on the table.

Liverpool retain interest in Marc Guehi and Crystal Palace get what they wanted

Guehi’s situation is complicated by intense competition. Market rules allow him to sign a pre-agreement with overseas clubs this month, and Europe’s elite are circling.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid have all registered interest. While Liverpool came ever so close to completing a deal for the England international on deadline day in the summer.

Palace remain interested in selling Guehi for a fee rather than losing their captain on a free in the summer. And, they could get a bidding war if Liverpool decide to rival Manchester City in getting Guehi.

For Guehi, it’s a little complicated. He could wait out his turn and secure a major signing-on fee in the summer. Either way, movement on this one is expected imminently.