With Liverpool and Arsenal both starting the season with back-to-back wins, Manchester City already trail the leaders by three points. Pep Guardiola, however, is focused more on their upcoming clash with Brighton than the early table.
Off the pitch, City’s priority is wrapping up the transfer window strongly. Ilkay Gundogan is heading out, while Manuel Akanji has attracted serious interest from Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen, who see him as a replacement for Marc Guehi and Piero Hincapie.
Why Guehi Fits City
If Akanji leaves, City want to reinforce—and Guehi looks ideal. Palace’s captain is admired at the Etihad, and signing him would both strengthen City’s back line and weaken Liverpool, who are also pushing for his signature.
Valued around £35–45m, the 25-year-old England international offers pace, power, and experience, with 192 senior appearances already under his belt. With Stones and Ake often injured, Dias off-form, and Gvardiol still adapting, Guehi would bring much-needed stability to Guardiola’s defence.
Transfer Battle with Liverpool
Liverpool remain serious contenders as they lack depth behind Van Dijk, Konaté, and Gomez. Still, Palace might be tempted if City include Akanji in the deal. While Guehi is open to a Liverpool move, reports suggest he’ll only leave under the right conditions regarding role and game time.
Verdict
City have a clear opening: move Akanji on, bring Guehi in, and they not only strengthen their own squad but also disrupt Liverpool’s transfer plans—gaining both defensive solidity and a psychological edge in the title race.
