Manchester United is reportedly willing to offload Harry Maguire during the upcoming winter transfer window, with a selling price potentially as low as £10 million.
This development comes from The Daily Star, which states that the club is ready to entertain offers for Maguire in January, starting at this lower figure. This significant drop in price illustrates a marked change in United’s perception of the England international, as they are prepared to let go of a player who was once seen as an indispensable asset.
The publication goes on to highlight that this £10 million valuation represents a substantial decrease from the £30 million that United would have anticipated receiving for him just a year ago, indicating the team’s current view that Maguire is no longer a key part of their plans. Various factors have contributed to this dramatic shift, including Maguire’s fluctuating performance levels over recent seasons and his ongoing issues with injuries.
Currently, Maguire is in the final year of his contract with Manchester United, although the club retains an option to extend his contract for an additional 12 months. This clause is likely to be activated if the club cannot find a buyer during the winter window, as it would give United a chance to sell him next summer. This plan reflects a broader strategy by the club to safeguard their investment and avoid losing a valuable player without any financial return.
Maguire originally joined United in 2019 from Leicester City, signing for an eye-popping £80 million— a fee that set a world record for a defender at that time. Given this high-profile transfer, expectations for his performance were immense, but he has grappled with the challenges of consistently delivering on those expectations.
Throughout his tenure with the Red Devils, Maguire’s form has elicited mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike, both at the club level and during his international outings with the England national team. While some believe he is still capable of making significant contributions, others have highlighted moments of inconsistency and defensive uncertainty.
Under the management of Erik ten Hag, the 31-year-old defender’s opportunities have been hindered. Due to recurring injuries and increasingly stiff competition for central defensive roles in the squad, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI. Last season, he was limited to just 18 starts in the Premier League, suffering through two separate periods of injury that kept him sidelined for extended stretches.
This limited participation also had knock-on effects, including his absence from the England squad for Euro 2024, diminishing his opportunities to represent his country on a big stage.
Recently, Maguire faced yet another setback during a goalless draw against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, where he sustained an injury in the first half. After being substituted at halftime, he was spotted leaving the stadium in a protective boot, stirring concerns regarding the extent of the injury.
Following this incident, Maguire took to social media to inform fans that he is likely to be out of action for a “few weeks.” Such injuries have plagued his season, hindering his ability to regain form and stay match-fit. Up to this point in the season, he has participated in nine matches, finding the net in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League on October 3. While he has shown glimpses of his potential when on the pitch, the ongoing injuries and irregular playing time raise questions about his long-term future at Manchester United as transfer rumors continue to swirl around him.
World of sports 
Leave a comment