As the summer transfer window heats up, Manchester City have been handed a bold directive to outmaneuver their Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for Crystal Palace’s standout centre-back, Marc Guehi. The 26-year-old defender, lauded as “exceptional” by former England manager Gareth Southgate, has emerged as a prime target for both clubs, with his future at Selhurst Park hanging in the balance as his contract nears its final year. With Liverpool aggressively bolstering their squad and City looking to shore up their defensive line, the battle for Guehi’s signature promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 transfer market.
Guehi’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since joining Crystal Palace, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders, blending composure, athleticism, and tactical intelligence. His performances have not only earned him regular starts for England but also caught the eye of top clubs across Europe. Liverpool, fresh off a dominant 2024-25 Premier League campaign, have already splashed out £269 million this summer, securing talents like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. Yet, their pursuit of Guehi signals an intent to further strengthen their backline, particularly as they prepare to defend their title and compete in an expanded Champions League.
Manchester City, however, are not ones to be outdone. Despite a less-than-stellar 2024-25 season, Pep Guardiola’s side have been active in the transfer market, securing midfield prodigies like Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg and Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, alongside left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves. Yet, former City defender and coach Stuart Pearce has sounded the alarm on the club’s defensive vulnerabilities, warning that their backline could be their “Achilles heel” in the upcoming season. “When they won the Champions League a couple of years ago, I think they won it on being very, very tough to score against,” Pearce told reporters. He argues that Guehi’s ability to thrive in City’s expansive, possession-based system makes him the perfect addition to fortify their defense.
The case for City to hijack Liverpool’s move is compelling. While City have focused heavily on midfield and attacking reinforcements, their central defensive options remain a concern, especially with the departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne reshaping the squad. Guehi, with his ability to read the game and contribute to build-up play, aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s philosophy. Pearce emphasized, “You’ve got to be good at that if you’re a Manchester City player in the expansive way they play.” With Crystal Palace open to offers for Guehi if the price is right, City could capitalize on the opportunity to secure a player who fits their tactical mold.
Liverpool’s interest, however, poses a significant challenge. The Reds see Guehi as a long-term solution to bolster their defense, especially with uncertainties surrounding their current centre-back options. Manager Arne Slot has dismissed claims of a shortage in central defense, but the club’s aggressive pursuit of Guehi suggests otherwise. Their financial muscle, bolstered by £80 million in cash generated each of the last two seasons and additional revenue from a new adidas kit deal and Champions League participation, positions them to make a strong bid. Yet, City’s history of outbidding rivals—evidenced by their recent acquisition of Nypan over Arsenal and Aston Villa—shows they’re not afraid to flex their financial might.
The stakes are high for both clubs. For Liverpool, Guehi represents a chance to cement their dominance, while for City, he could be the key to reclaiming their place at the Premier League’s summit. Palace, meanwhile, are in a strong negotiating position, with Guehi’s contract situation likely to command a hefty fee, potentially exceeding £50 million. As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, continues to unfold, the race for Guehi’s signature is set to intensify, with City urged to act swiftly to steal the “exceptional” star from under Liverpool’s noses.
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