Manchester City are believed to have found a possible way to reduce the fee required to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in this transfer window, with the idea of loaning one of their own players to Selhurst Park forming part of the discussions.
The possibility of a player moving in the opposite direction adds a fresh dynamic to talks that have already been shaped by financial considerations and Guehi’s personal preference over how he leaves Palace.
Although there has been debate over whether a January move is realistic or if a free transfer in the summer is more likely, City’s interest in the defender has not wavered.
Pep Guardiola’s admission that he is unsure whether further business will be done this month highlights the complexity of the situation and the number of variables involved.
Publicly, Crystal Palace have remained firm, with manager Oliver Glasner repeatedly stressing that only an exceptional bid and a clear desire from Guehi to depart would prompt the club to sell.
However, City are now exploring ways to reshape the deal, and as previously reported by Sam Lee, a loan move for one of their players could provide a compromise that satisfies both sides.
According to information shared by City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Palace are interested in taking Oscar Bobb on loan from Manchester City. Such a move could help drive down Guehi’s asking price, which is now thought to be below £30 million.
Other reports claim Guehi has been offered a package worth up to £20 million to see out the remainder of his Palace contract, while City are willing to make him one of their higher earners to offset part of that amount as a signing-on fee.
From Guehi’s standpoint, the England international is said to prefer a transfer that allows Palace to receive a fee, rather than leaving for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season.
This scenario underlines City’s willingness to be flexible as they aim for a valuation in the region of £20–25 million, while Palace are still reluctant to move far from their earlier £30–35 million estimate.
Much will depend on how strongly Palace pursue Bobb’s loan signing and whether City feel a temporary exit for the youngster fits their own squad plans.
With Antoine Semenyo already signed and defensive injuries continuing to influence recruitment priorities, City may decide that a creative deal is the best way to secure Guehi in January, rather than risk losing him to a rival or waiting until the summer.
