Manchester City are being encouraged to move for Marc Guehi, who has been strongly linked with Liverpool. The Crystal Palace defender, valued at around £35–45 million, is reportedly open to a switch to Anfield — but City could step in and turn the situation to their advantage.
With Liverpool and Arsenal both starting the season with back-to-back wins, Pep Guardiola’s side already trail by three points in the title race. However, Guardiola is unlikely to panic over the table at this early stage, focusing instead on City’s next test against Brighton. Off the pitch, the attention is firmly on the transfer market, where player sales and reinforcements remain a priority.
Ilkay Gundogan is expected to depart, while Manuel Akanji has attracted strong interest from both Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen. Palace, in particular, view him as a potential successor to Guehi should they decide to cash in on their captain.
Why Guehi Makes Sense for City
City would consider allowing Akanji to leave, but only if they can bring in a reliable replacement. Guehi fits that profile perfectly. Already admired at the Etihad, the England international would immediately add resilience and quality to a defence that has lacked consistency.
With John Stones and Nathan Ake often sidelined, Ruben Dias struggling for form, and younger defenders such as Josko Gvardiol still adapting, City have yet to settle on a dependable central partnership. Guehi, with 192 senior appearances for club and country, offers experience, athleticism, and composure. His pace and intelligence make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s high defensive line, while his Premier League pedigree ensures he could adapt seamlessly.
The Transfer Battle with Liverpool
Liverpool remain serious contenders for Guehi, especially with their defensive depth looking thin behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. Beyond them, only 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni offers cover, highlighting why Jürgen Klopp’s side are eager to strengthen.
Still, City could hold an advantage if Palace are tempted by Akanji as a ready-made replacement. According to journalist David Ornstein, Guehi is intrigued by the prospect of joining Liverpool but will only leave Palace if the “conditions are right” in terms of role, playing time, and contract. That stipulation gives City room to manoeuvre.
Final Verdict
Manchester City now have a golden opportunity. If Akanji departs and Guehi is secured, Guardiola would not only gain one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders but also land a psychological blow to Liverpool’s plans.
The only uncertainty is whether Guehi would choose the Etihad over Anfield.
