Manchester City could have identified a way to bring down the fee required to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this month by using an outgoing loan as part of the negotiations.
The prospect of movement heading in the opposite direction adds a new layer to talks that have already been influenced by financial considerations and the defender’s own stance on how he wants to leave Selhurst Park.
City’s admiration for Guehi has been long-standing, even as uncertainty remains over whether a January move is achievable or if a transfer is more likely to happen in the summer when he could be available for free. Pep Guardiola’s recent admission that he does not know whether further business will be done this month underlines both the complexity of the situation and the number of factors involved.
Crystal Palace have, in contrast, struck a firm public tone. Oliver Glasner has repeatedly insisted that only a substantial offer, combined with a clear wish from the player to depart, would prompt the club to consider a sale.
That stance may now be tested. City are said to be actively trying to reshape the terms of the deal, and the inclusion of a loan move for one of their players could offer a middle ground that works for both clubs.
According to Manchester City insider Tolmie’s Hairdoo on X, Palace are keen on taking Oscar Bobb on loan from the Etihad Stadium. Such a move could play a part in lowering the overall cost of a Guehi transfer, with the asking price now thought to be under £30 million.
It has also been suggested that Guehi has been offered up to £20 million to see out the remainder of his Palace contract, while City are prepared to make him one of their top earners in order to balance out the reduction in a signing-on bonus.
From the player’s perspective, the England international is believed to prefer a move that still generates a transfer fee for Palace, rather than leaving on a free at the end of the season.
That approach would underline City’s willingness to show flexibility in discussions, as they aim for a deal in the region of £20 to £25 million. Palace, meanwhile, are understood to be reluctant to stray too far from their earlier valuation of £30 to £35 million.
A key factor will be how determined Palace are to secure Bobb and whether City are comfortable allowing him to leave temporarily given their own squad plans.
With Antoine Semenyo now through the door and defensive injuries continuing to shape recruitment priorities, City may conclude that inventive negotiation offers the best chance of securing Guehi in January, rather than risking competition from rivals or waiting until the summer.