Newcastle United impacted by transfer rule change as £25m deal completed
Manchester City can field another one of their new signings when they host Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg next month.
Former Newcastle United transfer target Marc Guehi has completed a move to Manchester City.
The Magpies submitted bids north of £50million in the summer of 2024 but Crystal Palace stood firm, as chairman Steve Parish demanded “superstar money” for the 25-year-old defender.
Guehi stayed at Selhurst Park last season and went on to achieve legendary status as he became the first Palace captain to lift a major trophy in the club’s 121-year history.
Newcastle have maintained an interest in Guehi but were aware of approaches from other clubs.
The England international agreed a £35million move to Liverpool on summer transfer deadline day but Palace called off a move having been unable to sign a replacement.
But six months on and Guehi is moving on to pastures new, joining Man City in a £20m deal. The Eagles made the decision to cash in on their skipper, whose contract was due to expire in June.
Marc Guehi available to face Newcastle United in Carabao Cup
Guehi will be eligible to feature in Man City’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie against Newcastle next month after rules on being cup-tied were amended at the beginning of the campaign.
Under EFL rule 6.4, players are now able to represent two clubs in the competition in a season.
The Magpies have already been burnt by the rule change after Antoine Semenyo scored in City’s 2-0 first-leg win at St James’ Park last week. Semenyo had featured for AFC Bournemouth in the second round before completing his £64m transfer to the Etihad.
“It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him,” Howe said. “Yeah, I have to say that's probably one rule change I probably wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment!”
Guehi, meanwhile, played for Palace in third and fourth round wins over Millwall and Liverpool, respectively, before losing on penalties to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
The Gunners currently lead Chelsea 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle must overturn a two-goal deficit in Manchester if they are to get to Wembley to defend their trophy.
Marc Guehi reacts to joining Manchester City from Crystal Palace
On joining Man City, Guehi said: “I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player.
“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.
“I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.
“I love football – it has given me so much for so long – and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.
“I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.”
City Director of Football and former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana added: “It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City,” Viana said.
“I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.
“He is strong, has exceptional defensive qualities, is an intelligent reader of the game, and brings passion and energy every time he steps onto the pitch. I am so pleased it was us he chose to join.
“Marc is entering the prime years of his career. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt.”