A host of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Harry Maguire’s situation at Manchester United ahead of his contract expiring in 2025.
The 31-year-old is seeing out the final seven months of his deal at Old Trafford amid hopes of the club offering him fresh terms. It is, however, more likely that United choose to activate Maguire’s one-year option to protect his resale value and give them more time to mull over his future.
Until they do so, a number of sides in the division will be waiting in the wings to see if they can snap up the 64-cap England international for free at the end of the season.
West Ham notoriously failed in their attempts to sanction Maguire’s arrival in 2023; they had a bid in the region of £30 million accepted by the Reds, but the transfer fell through at the last minute as an agreement never came to fruition between all parties. Whether they will choose to reignite their pursuit again remains to be seen.
Maguire will have his pick of suitors if he departs United next summer
Maguire, who earns a reported £190,000 per week, saw his minutes reduce drastically throughout Erik ten Hag’s maiden season in Manchester. He made only eight Premier League starts and just 16 appearances in total, falling behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and even Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.
A detrimental injury crisis in the subsequent campaign led to the centre-half featuring considerably more; his league starts increased to 18, and he was also given the nod in four out of the side’s six Champions League group-stage matches.
He has suffered his fair share of fitness setbacks over the last year but is now available and keen to prove his worth to new boss Ruben Amorim, having already featured twice under the Portuguese tactician since returning from injury against Everton.
Ex-United chief scout Mick Brown said of Maguire’s uncertain situation (via Football Insider): “There are Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on the situation. Any club that wants a solid and experienced leader and centre-back will be interested in Harry Maguire.
“He’s a huge threat from set-pieces, both defending and attacking them, and he’s good on the ball. He was England’s first-choice centre-back for years, so he’s got so much experience.
“I was constantly on about him when I was at West Ham, but they made an offer of £20 million for him, and it was quickly rejected.
“They’re still looking at signing a new centre-back now, so I’d expect that interest is still there. If United decide to let him go at the end of the season, there are clubs queuing up for his signature, so he won’t be short of options.”
