West Ham United is reportedly preparing to make a formal approach for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, nearly a year after their initial interest. The Hammers are keen on bringing the England international to the London Stadium, with manager David Moyes said to be determined to sign him.
Last summer, West Ham showed an interest in acquiring Maguire's services. However, the centre-back decided to stay put at Old Trafford with Manchester United. With just two months left in this season, clubs have already started strategizing for the summer transfer window. Premier League clubs splashed over £2 billion last summer and it seems like West Ham is gearing up for another busy transfer period.
Maguire's contract at Manchester United is set to expire in 2025 which means he is nearing the final 12 months of his current deal. Although there's an option for extension by another year from United’s end, West Ham remains hopeful they can persuade him into joining their ranks.
West Ham is likely to offer around £15 Million for English defender
West Ham manager has been vocal about his admiration for Maguire and reports suggest that a £15 million offer could be on the table this summer. This move could help balance Manchester United's books amidst efforts to remain within Financial Fair Play (FFP) guidelines.
Despite not being one of Erik ten Hag’s preferred centre-backs at the start of this season due to injuries sustained by Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane over time, Maguire has had numerous opportunities throughout this season making 23 appearances across all competitions so far.
However, fitness issues have kept him out of action during United’s last three games which raises questions about his consistency and reliability as a defender.
Maguire hasn’t been Ten Hag’s trusted man in defence
Harry Magire has faced criticism recently due to sub-par performances despite being considered as a decent defender overall. Some speculate that the pressure of playing for a club like Manchester United, coupled with the responsibilities of being the captain and an England national team, might be too much for him to handle.
In conclusion, West Ham's potential acquisition of Harry Maguire could prove beneficial for both parties. For West Ham, it would mean adding a seasoned defender to their ranks while providing Maguire with a fresh start away from Old Trafford where he can potentially thrive under less pressure. However, only time will tell if this transfer will materialize and whether it will be a successful move for all involved parties.
