Marc Guehi has already made transfer stance clear as Man City set to battle Liverpool

Liverpool already knew that it would face stiff competition to sign Marc Guehi in 2026, and the task has seemingly been made even harder with the news that Manchester City has reportedly entered the race to land the Crystal Palace captain.

The Times says that City has closely monitored Guehi over the last few years after he "caught the eye" of City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain.

Guehi will be available on a free transfer when his contract at Palace expires next summer, but Palace's resolve could also be tested in January – which will be the South London club's last opportunity to recoup a fee for the England international.

The Eagles could reasonably expect to receive a fee in the teens of millions – if not more – for Guehi during the winter transfer, and that is not to be sniffed at for a player who will otherwise walk for nothing at the end of June.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed earlier in the season that he fully expected Guehi to leave in 2026, having turned down advances from the club over a new deal.

"I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year," said Glasner in October. "The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal.

"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

Palace is having a fantastic season – currently sitting fifth in the Premier League – but it seems apparent that Guehi's desire to seek pastures new has not waned.

Liverpool remains interested, while top clubs in Europe like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also said to be keen, but the chance to join City could also hold a strong appeal for Guehi.

City's defense could undergo plenty of change in the summer, with Manuel Akanji – who is currently on loan at Inter Milan – likely to leave permanently, and John Stones and Nathan Ake facing uncertain futures at the club due to their sketchy recent injury records.

Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov are firmly in Pep Guardiola's plans going forward, but City is keen on adding further depth in defense, with a summer signing in defense – such as Guehi – described as "all but certain".

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