Marc Guehi is preparing to face Liverpool for the first time since completing his winter move to Manchester City, a transfer that altered the direction of one of the season’s most intriguing storylines.
Only a few months ago the England international looked destined to become a Liverpool player.
A late-summer agreement worth £35 million appeared to have paved the way for a switch from Crystal Palace, yet the deal collapsed in the final hours of the window.
Guehi remained in south London and went on to play a central role in two memorable victories over the Merseyside club.
In September he captained Palace to a stirring 2-1 Premier League success at Selhurst Park, a result that shook the early table.
Weeks later he led the same side to Anfield in the Carabao Cup and helped deliver a convincing 3-0 win.
Those performances strengthened Liverpool’s admiration, and many expected them to return with a fresh offer once his contract edged towards its conclusion.
Events took a different turn in January. Manchester City, seeking defensive reinforcements, moved swiftly with a £20 million bid that Palace felt unable to refuse.
With Guehi set to become a free agent in the summer, the Eagles accepted and the centre-back joined Pep Guardiola’s squad almost overnight.
City had already spent heavily on Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, another player once monitored by Liverpool, and Guehi became the second major arrival of the window.
The timing created a fascinating twist. Had negotiations unfolded differently, Sunday’s meeting at Anfield might have seen Guehi lining up in red.
Instead he will walk out in City colours with the Cityzens potentially chasing ground in the title race. If Arsenal overcome Sunderland a day earlier, Guardiola’s side could be nine points behind the leaders before a ball is kicked on Merseyside.
Speaking about the aborted Liverpool transfer and his eventual move to City, he reflected on how quickly fortunes can change in football.
The defender believes the experience of facing Liverpool twice earlier in the campaign has prepared him for the intensity that awaits, even though the stakes are now far higher.
When asked about the prospect of facing Liverpool, Guehi told Sky Sports: “I said in previous interviews, it wasn’t really up to me, it was God’s plan, and God’s plan has come to full fruition.
“So I’m just looking forward to the game, against tough opposition, in a great environment, and we’ll be doing our best to get a win.”
Guehi embracing life under Guardiola
Since arriving at the Etihad Campus, Guehi has been thrown into a demanding environment renowned for its tactical detail.
City’s recent form has been uneven by their own lofty standards, yet the club view the 25-year-old as a long-term pillar of the defence. His composure on the ball and leadership qualities were key factors behind the decision to move decisively in January.
The defender revealed that conversations with Guardiola and senior figures convinced him that City offered the right platform for the next stage of his career.
Despite interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, he felt the Sky Blues demonstrated the clearest commitment.
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“Things happen quite quickly to be honest but it was how keen the club were and how sure the club were on me. I listened to the project and talked to the important people and I was very sure. So it happened in a very quick space of time.”
Adapting to Guardiola’s methods can challenge even the most experienced recruits, yet Guehi says the learning curve has been energising rather than overwhelming.
Training sessions have introduced new concepts in positioning and build-up play, while the presence of seasoned internationals around him has accelerated the process.
He added: “Just being here for two minutes, it feels like I’ve learned so much from every single person – from the players, the staff and of course the manager.
“In such a short space of time it feels like my head has been filled with so much knowledge. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted for so long, so it’s great.”
