Marc Guehi is quiet and modest off the pitch. But his transfer to Man City has created plenty of noise – and that’s a reflection of his rising reputation, clear talent and the perceived value of this deal for City and Crystal Palace.

The centre-back is a locked-in starter for England at the upcoming World Cup and after captaining Palace to FA Cup glory last season, a step-up to one of the Premier League’s top sides was inevitable. Oliver Glasner’s frustration it had to happen now underlines Guehi’s quality and influence.

It looked like it would be Liverpool on Deadline Day in the summer but instead it’s City this January. And what a coup that is for Pep Guardiola. In the short-term, Guehi is a perfect replacement for the injured Josko Gvardiol. In the long-term, the 25-year-old will be seen as a central, leading figure as City look to launch another chapter of success. Liverpool’s loss is City’s gain – and beating a big rival to his signature could be significant in seasons to come.

Last month, Guehi told Sky Sports about his personal desire to go to the next level, in terms of his own performance. “I’m trying to improve my game and be as well-rounded as possible,” he said. Guardiola is certainly a manager to help players achieve that. Yet the move into City’s back four looks like a straightforward switch for a defender who plays on the left side of a centre-back pairing for England, despite his back-three role at Palace.

Expect him to take on the challenge with typical understated determination – but City and their supporters will be shouting from the rooftops about what a brilliant, bargain-buy this £20m deal can be for them.