West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire this summer.
The Hammers are preparing for the departure of their skipper Declan Rice to Arsenal. Rice’s deal to Arsenal alone is expected to bring in £105m, and the club are set to hand David Moyes the funds to replace the star midfielder as well as address the other areas of his squad.
According to The Daily Mirror, West Ham are looking to Manchester United’s Harry Maguire as a potential option to strengthen their defensive contingent ahead of the new season. However, it would take a lot of persuading for Maguire to leave Old Trafford.
Maguire, 30, made just eight Premier League starts last season after slipping down the defensive pecking order under Erik ten Hag. The England international, who cost Man United £80million from Leicester back in 2019, will reportedly be allowed to leave this summer if a £40million offer comes in. The centre-back is wanted by West Ham boss David Moyes, but his wages could be a stumbling block in any potential deal.
Harry Maguire to West Ham—Can he transform their defence?
West Ham flirted with relegation last season. David Moyes’ future at the London Stadium was uncertain after poor results in the Premier League, yet the Scotsman turned things around and guided the club to the UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in May.
Indeed, Moyes has more than earned the right to continue at West Ham and begin the squad rebuild as he prepares for the departure of Rice. Replacing Rice—one of the Premier League’s best midfielders—will be no mean feat, and Moyes has started scouring the market for potential options. In addition, Scotsman also wants to strengthen the Hammers’ defence, which leaked 55 goals in the Premier League last season.
Harry Maguire has emerged as an option for West Ham, with Moyes an admirer of the Man United defender. Despite losing his first-team status and falling further down the pecking order after Ten Hag’s arrival last term, Maguire is understood to be happy to stay at United and fight for his place. However, with the 2024 European Championships set to take place next summer, he may have a rethink.
In Harry Maguire, West Ham would get a Premier League-proven, solid defender who will undoubtedly bolster their defence. The English defender’s form may have dipped in the last 15-18 months but a new environment could help him get back his mojo.
The 30-year-old is capable of bouncing back with regular game time at West Ham—something he has struggled for under Ten Hag. Maguire is usually fit and still has a lot to offer at the highest level, while his experience would certainly help the Hammers.
As things stand, West Ham are willing to pay United a fee for Maguire, but his wages are a sticking point. The defender earns £190,000 a week at Old Trafford, which West Ham cannot match. So, Moyes must do his best to persuade Maguire into lowering his salary demands, as a deal will be beneficial for all parties involved.