THE “PLAN B” REVEALED: Man City Hunt for £40m Benfica ‘Wall’ After Stunning Marc Guéhi Rejection!
Manchester, Sunday, January 11, 2026 – If you think the Manchester City transfer department takes the weekend off, you haven’t been paying attention. While the blue half of the city is still buzzing from yesterday’s record-shattering 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City, the real fireworks are happening in the boardroom.
Just 48 hours ago, City announced the £62.5 million capture of Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian winger didn’t even wait for the ink to dry, stepping onto the pitch yesterday to bag a debut goal and an assist. But even as Semenyo celebrated, Pep Guardiola was reportedly pacing the corridors of the Etihad with a familiar look of “tactical distress.”
Why? Because the club’s primary defensive target—Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi—has reportedly delivered the ultimate snub. Despite City being desperate for cover following a horror injury to Josko Gvardiol (out for the season with a tibial fracture) and Ruben Dias (sidelined for six weeks), Guéhi has apparently decided his future lies elsewhere, with Arsenal and Liverpool now leading the race for the England star.
But fear not, City fans. Pep always has a “Plan B,” and this one comes with a heavy Portuguese accent.
The Bosnian Wall: Who is Amar Dedić?
According to bombshell reports from Bosnian outlet Oslobodjenje, City have pivoted aggressively toward Lisbon. The target is Amar Dedić, the 23-year-old Benfica right-back who has quietly become the most consistent “lockdown” defender in the Primeira Liga.
Dedić isn’t your typical modern wing-back who thinks “defending” is a suggestion. He is a specialist. Since his €12 million move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2025, he has transformed into a defensive powerhouse.
The Scouting Report: Why Pep is Obsessed
- The Physicality: Dedić is built like a middleweight boxer. He possesses raw recovery speed (clocked at over 32 km/h) that makes him the natural successor to a legendary but aging Kyle Walker.
- The Discipline: In 28 appearances for Benfica this season, he has been dribbled past fewer times than almost any other fullback in Europe. For a City team that has looked vulnerable on the counter-attack during their current injury crisis, he is the “Reset Button.”
- The Numbers: 1 goal, 3 assists, and a staggering 15 clean sheets across all competitions this season.
The “Guéhi Betrayal” and the January Scramble
The news of Marc Guéhi’s rejection has reportedly sent shockwaves through City’s recruitment team. With John Stones also struggling for fitness, the “defensive SOS” at the Etihad has reached critical levels. Pep admitted on Tuesday that the club would have to be “creative,” and Dedić is the definition of a high-ceiling, high-value pivot.
While City originally viewed the Bosnian as a summer 2026 target, the Gvardiol injury has accelerated everything. Benfica, notorious for being “difficult” negotiators, have reportedly slapped a £40 million–£50 million price tag on Dedić, knowing City’s back is against the wall.
A Tactical Cheat Code?
The arrival of Antoine Semenyo on Friday signaled a shift toward raw power and directness on the wings. By chasing Dedić, Guardiola is looking for the perfect defensive anchor to balance that newfound aggression.
Imagine a backline where Dedić’s recovery pace allows Semenyo and Jeremy Doku to stay high and wide, effectively pinning opposition defenses back. It’s not just a signing; it’s a tactical recalibration.
The Competition
City aren’t alone. Dedić has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Roma (who are reportedly looking at him as a replacement for Wesley Franca). But with the “Semenyo Factor” proving that City are ready to spend big this month to secure the Quadruple, the Etihad remains the most likely destination.
Final Verdict: A Blessing in Disguise?
Losing out on Marc Guéhi might sting the ego, but Amar Dedić might actually be the player City needs. While Guéhi is a ball-playing center-back, City’s current crisis is one of speed and recovery. Dedić offers both in abundance.
Benfica may be reluctant to sell mid-season, but as we saw with the £62.5m Semenyo deal, when the Manchester City machine decides a player is the final piece of the puzzle, they usually find a way to make it fit.
The hunt for the “Bosnian Wall” is officially on. Will he arrive in time for the Manchester Derby on January 17th?