Marc Guehi explains reasons for Man City move after Liverpool transfer nightmare

The defender has completed his January move to Manchester City from Crystal Palace, having seen a deadline-day deal to Liverpool fall through in the final stages of the summer window

Manchester City has confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Marc Guehi has claimed he is joining the "best club in England" after signing for Manchester City, just months after his failed move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

The England international had been on the verge of sealing a switch to Anfield in September and even completed part of his medical, before Crystal Palace pulled the pull on the transfer.

Having remained at Selhurst Park, it became evident he was entering the final months of his Palace career. Liverpool had retained hope of signing Guehi for free next summer when his contract expired, but a defensive injury crisis forced City to take decisive action this month.

The clubs agreed a deal to bring Guehi to the Etihad last week, and Liverpool was unwilling to match the financial package City made mid-season.

Guehi is understood to have agreed terms on a £30 million ($40M) deal and has signed a contract worth £200,000-a-week that runs until 2031.

"I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player," Guehi said as the transfer was confirmed on Monday.

Guehi was on the verge of signing for Liverpool in September(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

"This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.

"It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.

"I love football, it has given me so much for so long, and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.

"I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do."

Liverpool opted against rivaling City for Guehi's signature(Image: Getty Images)

Guehi is not eligible to play in City's midweek Champions League trip to Bodo/Glimt, but could make his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The 25-year-old, who attracted interest from a host of Europe's elite clubs, leaves Palace after captaining the club to its first piece of silverware last year.

The FA Cup-winning skipper has inadvertently left a trail of destruction following his mid-season exit.

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday that he plans to leave the club and the end of campaign, while he took aim at the club hierarchy in the wake of Saturday's defeat to Sunderland.

"It’s tough to survive," said the Austrain. "That’s how it feels right now. We feel that we’re being abandoned. There’s no support."

As for Liverpool, the decision not to rival City has drawn criticism from some supporters, particularly given the Reds have just six fit defenders available at present.

Liverpool also held interest in Antoine Semenyo before his move to City earlier this window.