Guehi Seals Man City Switch as Liverpool's Slot Uncertainty Proves Costly

Manchester City have capitalised on the turbulence surrounding Arne Slot's position at Liverpool to land Marc Guehi, completing a transfer that had looked destined for Anfield just months earlier.

The deal is now sealed, with Crystal Palace accepting City's offer worth £20m, though the total package with add-ons could reach £30m. Guehi has already verbally committed to a 5.5-year contract and will become one of Manchester City's top ten earners. Palace retain a sell-on clause as part of the arrangement.

The centre-back's journey to the Etihad represents a dramatic reversal from last summer, when he was on the verge of joining Liverpool. That deal collapsed at the final hurdle when Palace withdrew with Guehi already undergoing his medical examination.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal had been plotting to resurrect their interest in the defender as a free agent come the summer window. Instead, City have stolen a march by moving decisively in January. Palace had initially sought £35m but opted to sell now rather than risk losing their asset without compensation at the end of his contract.

Crucially, reports suggest Guehi's decision hinged on a simple exchange. When the defender asked Liverpool whether Slot would remain as manager next season, he received an answer that proved telling: "No comment." That hesitation appears to have swung matters in City's favour, with the uncertainty at Anfield proving decisive.

Liverpool have since chosen not to chase the deal retrospectively, viewing a mid-season move for Guehi as poor value compared to what they might achieve in the summer market.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the move was imminent, noting that Guehi would not feature against Sunderland. The Austrian boss paid tribute to the defender's professionalism throughout the process, describing him as "a fantastic guy" at the start of a promising career. Glasner himself is departing Selhurst Park at season's end.

Guehi will not play for Palace again this term, marking the end of his spell at the club where he had demonstrated full commitment throughout the autumn campaign.