Marc Guehi in Airplane Drama as Flight Aborts Landing on Way to Man City Medical

£20m Move From Crystal Palace Begins With Unexpected Turbulence for Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi’s long-anticipated move from Crystal Palace to Manchester City was supposed to begin quietly, with a routine flight north and a straightforward medical ahead of a £20 million January transfer. Instead, the England international found himself at the centre of an unexpected airplane drama, after his private jet was forced to abort its landing at Manchester Airport just moments before touching down.

It was an unusual and slightly unnerving start to what could become a major chapter in Guehi’s career. As City prepare to reinforce their depleted defence for the second half of the season, the former Palace captain’s arrival already feels symbolic: chaotic, tense, but ultimately successful.

After circling above Manchester and safely landing on a second attempt, Guehi continued his journey to complete the formalities of a move that has sent ripples through both clubs — and left Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner furious.

Guehi Jets In to Manchester – But Not Without Drama

Guehi travelled to Manchester on Sunday morning, expecting a smooth trip ahead of his medical with Pep Guardiola’s side. According to reports, including those from The Sun, the defender’s private jet was approaching Manchester Airport shortly before 9am when things took a sudden turn.

Just as the aircraft was preparing to land, a larger plane was unexpectedly moved onto the runway. With safety the immediate priority, Guehi’s pilot was forced to take emergency action, aborting the landing at the last possible moment while the jet was already very close to the ground.

The aircraft looped over the city before eventually being cleared to land safely. While there were no injuries or further complications, it was a heart-stopping moment that added an unwanted dose of drama to an already emotional day.

Once on the ground, Guehi proceeded as planned, travelling into the city to continue talks and preparations ahead of sealing his transfer to the reigning Premier League champions.

Why Manchester City Moved Quickly for Marc Guehi

From Manchester City’s perspective, Guehi’s arrival could not be more timely. Pep Guardiola’s side are dealing with a defensive injury crisis that has tested their depth and disrupted their rhythm.

John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are all sidelined, forcing Guardiola to rely heavily on inexperienced options such as Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne in recent matches. While both have shown promise, the lack of senior centre-backs has been glaring — particularly in high-pressure fixtures.

That shortage was exposed again on Saturday at Old Trafford, where City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the derby. The result was less about tactics and more about intensity, physicality and leadership — qualities Guehi brings in abundance.

At 24, he already has Premier League experience, international pedigree, and a reputation for calm authority. For Guardiola, the £20m fee represents a pragmatic solution rather than a luxury purchase.

Pep Guardiola Admits City Were Second Best

After the derby defeat, Guardiola was refreshingly honest in his assessment. Speaking to reporters, the City boss admitted United simply wanted it more.

“They were the better team,” Guardiola said.
“They had something we did not have. Today we were not at the level required to win these types of games.”

Guardiola pointed to fatigue, squad turnover and a lack of energy compared to United, who were buoyed by a change in the dugout under interim manager Michael Carrick.

“We’ve changed a lot of players in the last 12 months, and we need to live it,” he added. “This type of game can happen.”

Guehi’s arrival is unlikely to fix everything overnight, but it offers Guardiola stability at a time when his defensive options have been stretched to the limit.

Crystal Palace Avoid Losing Guehi for Free

From Crystal Palace’s point of view, the decision to sell Guehi now — rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer — makes financial sense.

The defender had entered the final year of his contract and had already attracted serious interest last summer. A move to Liverpool came close but collapsed at the final hurdle. Palace were left vulnerable, knowing time was no longer on their side.

Accepting City’s £20m offer allows the club to cash in rather than face the prospect of a free transfer. On paper, it is a sensible business decision. In practice, it has caused serious friction behind the scenes.

West Ham United FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League

Oliver Glasner Furious Over Timing of Guehi Sale

While Palace’s board may be satisfied with the deal, manager Oliver Glasner has made no attempt to hide his anger. The Austrian coach revealed he only learned of Guehi’s impending departure the day before a crucial league game against Sunderland.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Glasner did not hold back.

“I heard yesterday at 10.30am for the first time that we were selling Marc,” he said.
“I think the negotiations were a few days long, so nobody would have called at 10am and by 10.30am everything was agreed.”

What hurt most was the timing.

“One day before a game, we come to Sunderland, we know we’re not on the best run, we know the circumstances with no players available — and we’re selling our captain. No team would do this.”

For Glasner, losing Guehi was not just about losing a defender. It was about losing a leader at a moment when the squad was already stretched thin.

“We’ve Been Abandoned” – Glasner’s Future in Doubt

Guehi’s sale has also intensified scrutiny on Glasner’s own future at Selhurst Park. Earlier this week, the Palace boss suggested he intends to leave at the end of the season, citing a lack of support and resources.

His emotional post-match comments — in which he claimed the club had been “abandoned” — are said to have frustrated chairman Steve Parish. While Palace have publicly backed Glasner for now, reports suggest his position is no longer secure.

Selling the captain without the manager’s full involvement has only deepened the sense of disconnect between the dugout and the boardroom.

What Marc Guehi Brings to Manchester City

For Guehi personally, the move represents a huge opportunity. Joining Manchester City offers Champions League football, a chance to compete for major trophies, and the opportunity to work under one of the most respected coaches in the game.

Technically sound, positionally intelligent and strong in one-on-one duels, Guehi fits Guardiola’s preference for defenders who can play out from the back while maintaining defensive discipline.

He may not be the flashiest signing City have ever made, but he could prove to be one of the most important.

What Comes Next for Manchester City

Manchester United v Manchester City – Premier League

City now turn their attention back to European competition, with a Champions League clash against Bodø/Glimt on the horizon. The Norwegian side are yet to register a win in the tournament this season, recording three draws and three defeats so far.

It presents Guardiola’s men with a chance to reset, regain confidence, and potentially integrate Guehi into the squad as quickly as possible.

After turbulence in the air and turbulence on the pitch, Manchester City will be hoping Marc Guehi’s arrival helps steady the ship.

Final Thoughts

Marc Guehi’s transfer story began with an aborted landing and ends — at least for now — with a fresh start at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. For Palace, it is the end of an era and the continuation of internal tension. For City, it is a necessary reinforcement during a demanding season.

Football transfers are rarely smooth. Guehi’s certainly wasn’t. But once the turbulence settled, the destination remained the same — and now the real journey begins.