Marc Guéhi Nearly Signed for Liverpool Last Summer

Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Liverpool on Saturday will carry an extra layer of intrigue at the Etihad: the presence of Marc Guéhi at the heart of the home defence. Had negotiations taken a slightly different turn last summer, the 23-year-old England international could have been wearing red rather than sky blue.

City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Guéhi is available after being cup-tied for the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal. With Joško Gvardiol ruled out long-term and both Rúben Dias and John Stones rated major doubts, Guéhi is poised to partner Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence against a Liverpool side he might have called his own.

The possibility of Guéhi lining up for Jürgen Klopp’s men this weekend was real enough during the last transfer window to prompt City officials to accelerate their own pursuit. Sources close to the deal say personal terms were discussed with Anfield representatives, but the move stalled over valuation and squad-role assurances. City pounced, sealing the transfer that now looks pivotal to their domestic treble hopes.

Guardiola, who has overseen back-to-back league wins over Liverpool this season, sees Guéhi’s aerial presence and composure as the ideal foil for the mobile Khusanov. “We’re delighted he’s here,” the Catalan said. “In a season of defensive injuries, Marc has been a calm influence.”

Opposite number Klopp refused to dwell on what might have been, insisting his focus is on ending a three-match losing run against City. Yet the sight of Guéhi marshalling Erling Haaland & Co. will serve as a reminder of how fine the margins are at the summit of English football.

Kick-off is at 17:30 GMT, with the winner advancing to a Wembley semi-final and keeping alive dreams of a domestic clean sweep.