Marc Guehi is a 25-year-old England international center-back who, as of January 20, 2026, has officially joined Manchester City after a highly publicized transfer saga involving Liverpool FC. Despite being on the verge of signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2025—having even completed a medical before Crystal Palace blocked the deal—Guehi completed a move to the Etihad Stadium on January 19, 2026, for a fee reported to be £20 million plus bonuses. Liverpool ultimately declined to match Manchester City’s January offer, citing concerns over the total financial package, which included wages reportedly exceeding £300,000 per week. While Guehi is no longer a prospective Liverpool player, the fallout from this missed opportunity remains a significant topic of discussion for the Reds’ recruitment strategy under Arne Slot. This guide explores the details of the failed move, his current status at Manchester City, and the defensive alternatives Liverpool is now pursuing.
The Failed 2025 Summer Transfer
In one of the most dramatic “near-misses” in recent Liverpool history, Marc Guehi was expected to be the marquee defensive signing of the summer 2025 window. On September 1, 2025, a fee of approximately £35 million was agreed upon between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
However, the transfer collapsed in the final hours of the deadline. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner intervened, realizing the club could not secure a suitable replacement in time. Consequently, Guehi remained at Selhurst Park for the first half of the 2025/26 season, while Liverpool entered the campaign with limited senior center-back depth.
January 2026: The Man City Pivot
On January 19, 2026, Manchester City officially announced the signing of Marc Guehi on a five-and-a-half-year contract. City swooped in with a £20 million bid to address a defensive crisis following long-term injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.
Liverpool chose not to challenge City’s bid during this window. Club sources indicated that while the transfer fee was low due to Guehi’s expiring contract, the “true cost”—including agent fees, signing-on bonuses, and a £300,000-per-week wage—did not represent the same market value the club identified in 2025. Upon his unveiling, Guehi described Manchester City as the “best club in England,” a comment widely seen as a jab at his almost-employers in Merseyside.
Tactical Profile: What Liverpool Missed
Tactically, Marc Guehi was seen as the ideal long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. His ability to read the game, combined with elite recovery speed and composure on the ball, made him a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s “control-oriented” defensive system.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Composed Distribution: He averaged an 89% pass completion rate during his final months at Palace.
- 1v1 Defending: He ranked in the 90th percentile for successful tackles against dribblers.
- Leadership: Having captained Crystal Palace to an FA Cup victory in 2025, he offered the intangible “captaincy material” Liverpool craves.
Despite being slightly shorter than the typical Liverpool center-back at 6’0″ (183cm), his leap and timing meant he remained an aerial threat, winning over 60% of his headers in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s Defensive Alternatives for 2026
With Guehi now wearing sky blue, Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, has turned their attention to other high-profile targets for the remainder of 2026. The priority remains a left-sided center-back who can compete with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
- Alessandro Bastoni: The Inter Milan star is rumored to be the new “priority one” for the summer of 2026.
- Nico Schlotterbeck: The Borussia Dortmund defender is being monitored as a younger, more aggressive alternative.
- Yan Diomande: Reports suggest Liverpool is already in talks with Sporting CP regarding a move for the rising Ivorian talent.
Practical Information and Matchday Tips
Watching Guehi in 2026
Fans wishing to see Marc Guehi in action will now need to visit the Etihad Stadium or catch Manchester City on their travels. Liverpool fans will get their first look at him as an opponent when City visit Anfield later this season.
- Match Tickets: Tickets for Manchester City home games can be purchased via the official City website, though high-category games require membership.
- Official Merchandise: Guehi’s new Manchester City No. 15 jersey is available at the City Store and online.
- Transport to Etihad: The “Etihad Campus” tram stop on the Manchester Metrolink is the most convenient way to reach the stadium from Manchester Piccadilly.
Tips for Liverpool Fans
If you are attending the Liverpool vs. Manchester City match, expect a vocal reception for Guehi. The player’s recent comments have added a new layer of rivalry to this fixture. Fans are advised to arrive at Anfield at least 90 minutes before kick-off to navigate the increased security for high-stakes 2026 matches.
Alessandro Bastoni: The “Perfect” Successor?
With Marc Guehi officially wearing Manchester City blue, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as Liverpool’s primary target for the summer of 2026. The 26-year-old Italian is widely considered the world’s premier left-footed ball-playing defender, making him the natural heir to Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the defense.
Why Bastoni?
- Elite Ball Progression: Bastoni ranks in the 95th percentile for progressive carries among European defenders in 2026, a key requirement for Arne Slot’s build-up play.
- Van Dijk’s Endorsement: In a January 18, 2026 interview, Bastoni publicly praised Van Dijk as his “perfect model,” fueling rumors that he is eager to partner with the Dutchman at Anfield.
- Contract Situation: With his contract at Inter expiring in 2027, the summer of 2026 represents the “valuation peak” for Inter to sell, with a price tag estimated around £69 million ($93 million).
Richard Hughes and the 2026 Recruitment Pivot
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is reportedly under pressure to deliver a world-class defender by July 2026. After the club’s record-breaking £444.5 million spend in 2025—which brought in stars like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz—the defensive line is now seen as the final piece of the “Liverpool 2.0” puzzle.
The strategy for 2026 involves a “phased transition.” With Virgil van Dijk turning 35 this summer and Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring in 2027, Hughes is targeting two center-backs: one established elite starter (Bastoni or Schlotterbeck) and one high-ceiling prospect (like the recently secured Ifeanyi Ndukwe).
Practical Information: Managing Expectations for Summer 2026
What to Expect in the Summer Window
- Window Opens: June 10, 2026.
- Early Medicals: Liverpool typically aims to conclude at least one major signing before the pre-season tour begins in mid-July.
- Pre-Season Tour 2026: If Liverpool tours North America (ahead of the 2026 World Cup), new defensive signings will likely be integrated during the US-based fixtures.
Advice for “Transfer Trackers”
In the 2026 digital age, rumors circulate faster than ever. For the most accurate news on Liverpool’s pursuit of Bastoni or Schlotterbeck, fans should prioritize:
The Daily Briefing: Official club newsletters.
Verified Sources: Reporters like Fabrizio Romano or Paul Joyce, who have been tracking the Richard Hughes contract situation.
The LFC Official App: Often the first place “Here We Go” announcements are confirmed for members.
FAQs
Did Marc Guehi sign for Liverpool?
No, he was on the verge of signing in September 2025, but the deal collapsed. He officially joined Manchester City in January 2026.
How much did Manchester City pay for Marc Guehi?
The fee was a reported £20 million ($27 million), a lower price due to his Crystal Palace contract nearing its end.
What are Marc Guehi’s wages at Man City?
He is reportedly earning over £300,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in the Premier League.
Why did Liverpool not sign him in January 2026?
Liverpool felt the total financial package, particularly the high wages and agent fees, no longer represented “market value” compared to other summer targets.
Which number does Marc Guehi wear?
He has been assigned the number 15 shirt at Manchester City.
How long is Guehi’s contract?
He signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that keeps him at the Etihad until June 2031.
Is Marc Guehi a starter for England?
Yes, as of January 2026, he is a locked-in starter for England and is expected to play a major role in the 2026 World Cup.
What did Guehi say about Liverpool?
In his City unveiling, he stated he had joined the “best club in England,” which many interpreted as a snub toward Liverpool following the failed 2025 move.
Who is Liverpool’s current main center-back target?
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Sporting’s Yan Diomande are widely reported as the club’s primary defensive targets for 2026.
How old is Marc Guehi? As of 2026, Marc Guehi is 25 years old.
Is Alessandro Bastoni coming to Liverpool in 2026?
He is the number one target, and sources suggest he is “open to a move” to the Premier League this summer.
How much will Alessandro Bastoni cost?
His estimated fee is £69 million ($93 million), though Inter Milan may hold out for more if Manchester City or Real Madrid enter the race.
Who is Nico Schlotterbeck?
He is a 26-year-old German international center-back playing for Borussia Dortmund, known for his left-footed distribution and aerial dominance.
Why does Liverpool need a left-footed center-back?
Arne Slot’s system requires a left-footer on the left side to facilitate wider passing angles and better build-up play, a role currently held by Virgil van Dijk.
Is Ibrahima Konate leaving in 2026?
As of January 21, 2026, he has not signed a contract extension, meaning Liverpool may consider selling him this summer to avoid losing him for free in 2027.
How tall is Nico Schlotterbeck?
He stands at 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), providing significant aerial presence.
Did Liverpool sign anyone else in January 2026?
The club focused on youth, securing 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe for a summer 2026 arrival.
Will Virgil van Dijk retire in 2026?
No, he is expected to lead the team through the 2026/27 season, but the club is actively recruiting his long-term replacement now.
What is the “Richard Hughes contract situation”?
Both Hughes and Michael Edwards are entering the final 18 months of their deals in early 2026, making this summer a pivotal moment for their leadership.
Who is Yan Diomande?
He is a Sporting CP defender who has been heavily linked as a third alternative if the Bastoni and Schlotterbeck moves fall through.
To read more , click here