Mark Guehi transfer news: Manchester City signs Crystal Palace captain for £20m

City began talks for the first time with Guehi (25 years old) earlier this month after defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were injured.

In Saturday’s defeat to neighbors Manchester United, City fielded a back four that included three players aged 21 or under – Rico Luis, Abdulkader Khosanov and Max Allen – alongside 30-year-old Nathan Ake. Alleyne was replaced at half-time by fellow 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly.

Defense was their big weakness against United, who won the game 2-0, and Guehi’s arrival will add some much-needed experience and quality to City’s backline.

According to statistics collected since the start of last season, Guehi ranks among the top 10 centre-backs in the Premier League in terms of clean sheets, duels won, aerial duels won, and line-breaking passes. This season he is in the top 10 in interceptions, fumble recoveries and pass rushing.

He will also provide strong leadership, having led Palace to victory over City in the FA Cup final last May, as well as playing a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.