Manchester City has officially signed Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace.
Guéhi’s transfer involves an initial fee of £20 million ($27 million), with potential add-ons.
The 25-year-old has committed to a five-and-a-half year contract, which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
The England centre-back arrived in Manchester on Sunday to undergo his medical examination and finalize his contract.
Although he will not be available for the Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, he may make his debut in the Premier League game against Wolves at the Etihad on Saturday.
“I am truly delighted and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” Guéhi expressed.
“This transfer represents the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put into my career. I’m now at the best club in England, surrounded by an incredible group of players, and it feels amazing to say that.”
“I have a deep passion for football, which has given me so much over the years. Continuing my progression at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.”
“I absolutely cannot wait to get started. I look forward to meeting my teammates, training hard, understanding the manager’s expectations, and showing the City fans what I’m capable of.”
According to sources, City expedited the signing of Guéhi due to injuries affecting Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, and John Stones.
The club had already intended to pursue Guéhi in the summer, anticipating that he might leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer.
The former Chelsea youth player becomes City’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the £64 million acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
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Sources indicate that Semenyo was also on the list of potential summer signings before the opportunity presented itself for an early deal.
Like Guéhi, Semenyo is ineligible to face Bodo/Glimt, but both players can be registered in time for the knockout stages.
City officials consider Guéhi and Semenyo’s decisions to devote the prime years of their careers to the club—despite competition from some of the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe—as a testament to the appeal of their project, both in the immediate and in the future.
“It’s clear that Marc has been one of the top defenders in English football for some time now, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Manchester City,” stated Director of Football Hugo Viana.
“Marc is entering the prime of his career, and I’m sure every City fan is excited to see how exceptional he can be in a sky blue jersey.”