Palace valuing Marc Guéhi at up to £40m could force Manchester City into the January market; punters might shorten odds on City keeping clean sheets if a high-quality centre‑back arrives, or back City to sign a defender before the window closes.
Crystal Palace set £40m asking price for Marc Guéhi as January window heats up
Crystal Palace are prepared to demand up to £40 million to sell centre back Marc Guéhi in the January transfer window. With his contract entering its final six months, Guéhi has attracted heavy interest across Europe — Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all been linked — and several clubs are weighing whether to pursue a winter move or wait to sign him on a free in the summer.
Why Palace can hold out for a premium
Palace appear ready to raise their asking price despite Guéhi’s contract situation. The club cites the difficulty of sourcing an adequate replacement during January, when options are thinner and prices higher, making a mid-season sale more costly for the seller. That bargaining position gives Palace leverage over clubs tempted to make a quick move.
Manchester City revive pursuit amid defensive injuries
Manchester City have reignited interest in Guéhi following a defensive injury crisis that has sidelined key defenders. City have already recalled a young loanee to help cover the gaps and used a makeshift back line in recent cup action. Those immediate needs have pushed City to consider whether to meet Palace’s fee rather than wait for a summer opportunity.
Summer vs January: timing and strategy for suitors
While City are reportedly most likely to try and sign a defender immediately, other suitors are positioned to pursue a free transfer in the summer. That dynamic — a single club willing to pay in January versus several waiting to pick up Guéhi on a Bosman — is central to how the next few weeks could play out.
Implications for betting markets
The transfer drama has clear betting angles: a last‑minute January deal could shorten odds on City keeping clean sheets and improve their defensive betting lines, while a summer move on a free would have less immediate impact on odds. Punters should monitor confirmed injury updates and official transfer activity before staking on markets tied to City’s defensive form.
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