Transfer story
Tottenham Hotspur tinkered with their formation this past season which has prompted them to play three at the back at times. Eric Dier slotted in effectively but the runners-up obviously lacked cover in the centre-back department.
Kevin Wimmer was brought in as a cover but hasn’t been able to justify his place in the first team squad. A lot of names are being talked about but one name that has been circulated a lot is Harry Maguire of Hull City. After Hull’s relegation and the departure of Marco Silva, it is certain that Maguire’s future is not with the Tigers.
The likes of Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the English centre-back but the attraction of playing in the Champions League might be too good for the player to reject.
Maguire has just one year left on his contract which means Hull City have no other option than selling him this summer to gain as much as possible from his sale. The value that is being claimed is of £22 million which might look inflated but English players always cost a wee bit more than the foreign recruits.
Player stats
In a faltering Hull defence, he and Andrew Robertson were the two players who impressed throughout. Maguire made 38 appearances for Hull this season and made 2.2 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game.
Hull conceded goals left, right and centre this season but still, Maguire was beaten just 0.6 times per 90 minutes. He also won 2.4 aerial duels in each game. (Stats via whoscored.com)
What’ll he offer to the club?
Maguire has every skill present in his locker which will make him play for the Three Lions soon. He is considered as one of the brightest defensive prospects in England currently as Spurs can include one more talented Englishman in their ranks.
He is good on the ball and is a sensible centre-back. He doesn’t jump in for a tackle needlessly and his positioning has often been spot on. Even though he won’t get a starting spot ahead of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, Maguire can become an able backup option for the Lilywhites.
Worth the money?
Though spending £20+ million for a backup option seems too much but that is the nature of the current market as the clubs must shell out huge amounts; be it for first team options or for backup.
Maguire is a brilliant player who can thrive under Mauricio Pochettino and can continue his progress in the Premier League. Despite just one season in the first division, Maguire has shown glimpses of his maturity in this division which can be crucial for Spurs to challenge on all fronts.