City first started talks with Guehi, 25, earlier this month following injuries to defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.

For Saturday’s defeat at neighbours Manchester United, City fielded a back four containing three players aged 21 or under – Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne – alongside 30-year-old Nathan Ake. Alleyne was replaced at half-time by fellow 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly.

Defending was their big weakness against United, who won the game 2-0, and Guehi’s arrival will add some much-needed experience and quality to City’s backline.

On statistics compiled since the start of last season, Guehi ranks inside the top 10 among Premier League centre-backs for clean sheets, duels won, aerial duels won and line-breaking passes. This season he is in the top 10 for interceptions, recoveries and duel success.

He will also provide strong leadership, having captained Palace to victory over City in last May’s FA Cup final, as well as playing a major part in England’s run to the final of the 2024 European Championship.