Is Marc Guehi the answer to Pep Guardiola's current crisis at Manchester City?

The Cityzens suffered a 3-1 catastrophic defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League recently.

Fortunately for Manchester City, Marc Guehi has just taken over to give a club that has unexpectedly lost its direction some much-needed order.

Pep Guardiola has never held back; his tone was nearly apocalyptic following Manchester City’s Tuesday demolition by the tiny Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt. He was extremely respectful to their winners and acknowledged that his squad was without eleven players for their trip to the Arctic Circle. But he also clearly outlined the current situation of his team.

Marc Guehi used the term “total domination” to characterise City’s last ten years, but “total disaster” would be a better description of how they have started 2026. Since the beginning of January, City’s seven games have resulted in two losses and three draws. Their only wins have come from domestic cup competitions.

City could have tried their luck to sign the England defender for free. His last contract with Crystal Palace was set to expire in June 2026. However, they made the wise decision to move five months ahead of other interested teams, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who persuaded Marc Guehi to change his mind by contacting him through Harry Kane and Michael Olise.

It is therefore a huge victory for City to pay £20 million for one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League, if not all of Europe. After all, this time last year, the club signed Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov for over £30 million apiece. Khusanov will likely play alongside Guehi against Wolves on Saturday, but Reis is currently on loan at Girona and has made only three appearances for the team.

Marc Guehi’s addition gives City a clear identity in defence

Khusanov and Reis are both promising prospects, but Guehi, who led Palace to FA Cup victory and was England’s most reliable player during their march to the Euro 2024 final, is a ready-made defensive captain.

However, City’s lack of leaders extends beyond defence. Marc Guehi will help balance out the departures of serial winners like Ederson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Manuel Akanji from last year.

After Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias suffered injuries against Chelsea earlier this month, Guehi may seem like a stopgap acquisition. But he was purchased with long-term planning also in mind. John Stones, whom Marc Guehi referred to as “a big brother”, is expected to go when his contract expires.

This means City will essentially be replacing one seasoned England international with another.

Marc Guehi’s set to lead City’s defence

After being destroyed in four days by both Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, City are in dire need of Marc Guehi’s expertise and technical prowess. City had to rely on 21-year-old Khusanov, who has ten Premier League starts under his belt, and 20-year-old Max Alleyne, who had only made one appearance in the English top division.

His new team has suddenly been plagued by issues in every department. He will not be able to resolve them all. However, Guehi possesses the quality and leadership abilities to restore some order to City’s disorganised defence.

Guehi should help stop the bleeding, but City’s January slump will require a great deal of introspection from his new teammates.

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