With only a few days gone in the January transfer window, movement is beginning to take shape beneath the surface, and Manchester City are once again at the center of attention. Recent injuries have exposed weaknesses in Pep Guardiola’s squad, particularly in defensive areas, prompting the Premier League champions to explore reinforcements for the second half of the season. Manchester City have been linked with several names as they assess their options.
Reports circulating in England suggest the club has shown interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with speculation that discussions may be progressing. However, City’s primary focus appears to be strengthening their defensive line, where injuries and rotation issues have reduced depth. One of the names under consideration is Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi.
The England international has established himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League and is regarded as a defender capable of adapting quickly to City’s playing style. His situation has attracted attention from several top European clubs. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid have been monitoring Guéhi’s development, and Manchester City’s interest could prompt them to act sooner than planned.
Real Madrid, in particular, are believed to be evaluating central defensive options for 2026, with Guéhi viewed as a strong candidate due to his age, experience, and leadership qualities. The 25-year-old’s current contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire in the summer, making his future increasingly uncertain. Should Palace fail to secure a renewal,
Guéhi could become available on a free transfer, a scenario that would significantly intensify competition among Europe’s elite clubs. As the January transfer window progresses, Manchester City’s next steps could have a ripple effect across the Premier League and the wider European market. With defensive reinforcements now a clear priority, the coming weeks may prove decisive in shaping both City’s campaign and Marc Guéhi’s next move.
