OFFICIAL: Man City sign Marc Guehi on £300,000-per-week contract

Through their official website, Man City confirmed that Guéhi has agreed to a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. 

According to major European sources, "The Citizens" paid a fee of £20 million to convince Crystal Palace to sanction the move. The London club had limited leverage in negotiations, as Guéhi’s contract was set to expire in 6 months and he had expressed a clear desire to leave.

In his first interview as an Etihad player, the English star expressed his immense happiness. He emphasized that City’s offer was simply impossible to refuse due to the club’s rich tradition and promising long-term project. 

"I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Man 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. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen”, Guéhi stated. 

Director of Football Hugo Viana, who appeared alongside the new signing, praised the defender as one of the best in the Premier League. He believes Guéhi's presence will significantly strengthen the squad, noting: "It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now. I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has shown already that he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve."

While the transfer fee was relatively modest, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that City secured the deal by offering a massive financial package. Guéhi will reportedly earn £300,000 per week, making him the second-highest earner at the club alongside Bernardo Silva, trailing only Erling Haaland, who earns over £500,000 per week. This represents a staggering increase from his reported £50,000-a-week salary at Palace.

This aggressive move stems from City's severe defensive crisis. In the recent 1-2 defeat to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola was forced to field inexperienced youngsters Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne. 

Key pillars John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol are all sidelined with various injuries, with Gvardiol unfortunately ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a broken leg.

Fans are now eagerly anticipating Guéhi’s debut against Wolves this weekend. A product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy (2007-2019), Guéhi moved to Palace in 2021 after struggling for game time at Stamford Bridge. 

Over 5 years at Selhurst Park, he made 188 appearances and scored 11 goals. Having been named club captain ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, he became the heartbeat of the team, famously leading them to FA Cup and Community Shield glory before his move to Manchester.