Man City keeping a close eye on ‘amazing’ Liverpool target, they could make a late move to sign him

The summer transfer window was moving towards its final days, and as always in English football, the noise around Manchester City and Liverpool grew louder. These two clubs have dominated the Premier League in recent years, turning the title race into a private battle where even the smallest decisions, the smallest signings, and the smallest mistakes could make the difference between glory and heartbreak. It was in this atmosphere of tension, rivalry, and ambition that new rumours began to spread about a player who has caught the attention of both clubs, a defender who could become the next big name to step into the spotlight. His name is Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace centre-back who has grown into one of the most reliable defenders in English football, and now the fight to sign him has set up another dramatic chapter in the Manchester City versus Liverpool story.

Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s dominance, has made no secret that he wants his club to stay at the very top. He has conquered the Premier League again and again, but he knows that Arsenal, Liverpool, and even outsiders like Chelsea are building teams strong enough to challenge. Guardiola is obsessed with details, obsessed with the idea that one new signing, one clever move in the market, can extend City’s dynasty and keep his rivals chasing shadows. That is why his eyes, and the eyes of his recruitment team, have turned towards Guehi. Liverpool have been chasing him for months, but City are now watching closely, ready to strike late if the opportunity comes.

Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, has already shown that he respects Manchester City deeply. He has studied Guardiola’s system, admired their style, and admitted openly that City are still the team to beat. For Slot, who stepped into the shoes of Jürgen Klopp, this first season is about building something strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Guardiola. He knows the only way to do that is to strengthen every part of his squad, especially the defence. That is why Guehi has been a target for Liverpool all summer. Slot believes Guehi could be the perfect fit, a defender who is strong in the air, calm with the ball at his feet, and experienced in the Premier League despite being just 25 years old.

The story has become more dramatic because of timing. The window is nearly closed. There is not much time left to make moves, but this is exactly when the biggest surprises usually happen. City already have a squad full of world-class defenders. John Stones, Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji, and Joško Gvardiol are all capable of starting for any team in Europe. But in football, things change quickly. Everton are monitoring Nathan Aké, Galatasaray are targeting Akanji, and if one or both of those players leave, Guardiola will not sit back and wait. He will act, and that is where Guehi comes in. A fee of £35 million is being mentioned, a price that both Liverpool and City could easily afford.

For Guehi, this is a dream situation. Just a few years ago, he was fighting for opportunities at Chelsea before moving to Crystal Palace to prove himself. Now he is a regular for England, an FA Cup winner, and one of the most admired defenders in the league. Harry Maguire has even described him as “amazing,” a word that carries weight given Maguire’s own experiences at the top level. Guehi has earned respect from teammates, coaches, and rivals, and now two of the biggest clubs in the world are fighting for his signature.

What makes the story even more emotional is Guehi’s own admiration for Manchester City. He has spoken openly about his love for John Stones, saying that Stones is a player he looks up to and tries to follow. In one interview, Guehi said: “I can’t speak highly enough of him. He is an absolute dream to play with. I am just following in his footsteps.” For a defender who could soon be stepping into the Etihad Stadium alongside Stones, those words feel almost prophetic. He also praised Stones and Maguire for their consistency with England, saying: “Just seeing them two play at the highest level consistently and never letting their country down has paved the way for me.”

If Guehi were to join Manchester City, it would be more than just another signing. It would be Guardiola once again weakening a rival by snatching a player Liverpool wanted. This has happened before in football history, where City have used their power to change the direction of transfer battles. It would also give Guardiola another versatile defender who can fit perfectly into his system of building attacks from the back, a defender who can play in the middle or cover in wide areas when needed.

For Liverpool, missing out on Guehi would be painful. Slot has been trying to shape a new era, and the defence has been a key focus. Virgil van Dijk, the leader at the back, is not getting younger. Ibrahima Konaté has had injuries. Joe Gomez is reliable but has been linked with other moves before. Guehi would have been the fresh blood, the long-term solution, the player to eventually carry the torch from van Dijk. To see him go to City would not just hurt Liverpool on the pitch, it would hurt them emotionally, just like when other targets in the past slipped through their fingers.

This is the kind of moment that defines transfer windows. Fans sit glued to their screens, refreshing updates, hoping to see their club move first. Reports from England suggest Liverpool remain favourites, but the whispers from Manchester say City are watching, waiting, and could strike when no one expects. Guardiola has done this before, and his reputation for being ruthless in the market makes the story believable.

Another layer to the drama is City’s pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper has reportedly agreed personal terms with City, a move that would shake European football. If Ederson leaves, Donnarumma steps in, and if one or two defenders leave, Guehi could step in. Guardiola is not building for today, he is building for the next five years. He wants players like Guehi who can grow, learn, and become part of his machine.

At Crystal Palace, the reality is also setting in. Guehi has been their rock, their leader at the back, but Palace know that when a giant comes calling, it is almost impossible to resist. £35 million is a lot of money, and for a club like Palace, it could help them rebuild. But for their fans, the thought of losing Guehi to either Liverpool or City is heartbreaking. He has been a symbol of consistency for them, and seeing him walk out in another shirt would leave a hole not just in defence but in spirit.

In the bigger picture, this story is not just about one player. It is about the never-ending rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool. Every signing, every decision, every rumour becomes part of a larger war between two clubs desperate to outdo each other. Guardiola and Slot may respect each other, but they know there is no friendship in this fight. The Premier League title will be decided by small details, and if Guehi ends up in one shirt instead of the other, it could be one of those details that tilts the balance.

For now, fans can only wait. Guehi himself has kept quiet, focusing on his football, but deep inside he must feel the weight of what is coming. To wear the red of Liverpool and fight under the Anfield lights, or to wear the blue of Manchester City and chase glory under Guardiola — either way, his career is about to change forever.

And so the days tick down, the rumours grow, and the drama builds. Manchester City versus Liverpool, Guardiola versus Slot, blue versus red — and in the middle of it all, a 25-year-old defender who has proven himself ready for the big stage. Whether he walks through the gates of Anfield or the Etihad, Marc Guehi will carry the hopes of whichever club wins this battle. And when the season ends, and the Premier League trophy is lifted, people may look back at this very moment and say: that transfer was the turning point.