Man City's Marc Guehi transfer temptation is obvious as Liverpool battle emerges

Manchester City are keen on Marc Guehi and could battle Liverpool for the Crystal Palace centre back next summer

Marc Guehi is set to be available on a free transfer this summer and Manchester City could rival Liverpool for his signature

Manchester City's interest in signing Marc Guehi is not particularly surprising given his performances and potential. Throw in the fact that he's available for nothing in a matter of months and the England international is suddenly towards the top of most big club's transfer wishlists.

A 25-year-old English centre back, who could have a standout season followed by an impressive World Cup, is unlikely to be short of suitors. Liverpool will surely be back in for Guehi while Chelsea have been linked. Interest abroad could emerge with Real Madrid having proved the masters of free transfer signings in recent years and Guehi would be free to agree a move overseas from January.

City would be foolish not to explore the possibility of signing the Crystal Palace centre back, particularly with lingering fitness questions over the long-term future of John Stones, himself out of contract next summer.

Stones missed the Manchester derby at the weekend with a muscle issue and remains a doubt for the Champions League opener with Napoli on Thursday night and the subsequent heavyweight Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

He hasn't started four games in a row since March 3, 2024 and if he has another season significantly disrupted by injuries and fitness issues, then it increases the chances of a parting of the ways in 2026.

He will have turned 32 then, and for all his obvious quality as a centre-back, he needs to start ticking the availability box as well.

Should Stones leave, Guehi looks like a potential replacement. As an English player, he would fill Stones' homegrown slot in the squad. He is used to the Premier League and has enough international experience to be unfazed by a move to the Etihad and the pressure of playing for City.

Then there is Guehi's pace, which is a big asset. The concerns around City's back four this season are primarily around a lack of speed and the loss of the recovery pace that Kyle Walker used to offer. Guehi could bring some speed back to that defensive set-up.

Whatever happens, he looks destined for a big move in 2026. He will have plenty of options next summer, when he is likely to be a starting centre-back for England in the World Cup.

City will surely be among the suitors.

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