Manchester United are reportedly set to sign Leicester City superstar Harry Maguire, in a deal that is said to set United back by €90 million.
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has speculated that Harry Maguire to Manchester United is a done deal. The journalist stated that Manchester United are set to agree a €90 million deal for the Leicester City superstar and will finally land Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priority defensive target.
#ManchesterUnited–#Maguire: done deal. Next stop #MilinkovicSavic
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) July 29, 2019
Pedulla further cleared that a portion of the €90 million will depend on bonuses and add-ons, with the overall fee slightly eclipsing the world-record fee for a defender set by Virgil van Dijk’s transfer to Liverpool.
The rumours have been bolstered by Maguire missing the Leicester City training, although there are mixed reports, stating that the English international missed the training due to diarrhoea. Meanwhile, Maguire’s agent is rumoured to have visited Manchester United on Monday.
Steven Beck, Director of Harry Maguire’s agency Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group, was at Carrington today. pic.twitter.com/418OLRlumi
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 29, 2019
Harry Maguire has been making a name for himself since making his Premier League debut with Hull City. Joining Leicester City in the summer of 2017, the Englishman has gone on to become a key part of their setup and for the England National Team. The 2018 FIFA World Cup shot up his stardom multiple-folds.
The ensuing season did not do anything to lower it, with Maguire scoring three crucial goals, that in turn, with one coming in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool and another coming in a 2-1 win over Southampton. His aerial prowess and defensive acumen have enabled him to be the priority target for Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs someone to partner Victor Lindelof in central defence. The Iceman has been the best performing defender for United under the Norwegian but has been bereft of a quality partner. With Eric Bailly coming off injured in the pre-season, the need for a centre-back has intensified.
If Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes are signed, this is how #MUFC could lineup! pic.twitter.com/7UdoOXnge6
— Miracle✌✌ (@Manutdtimes) July 29, 2019
Maguire’s ability on the ball and his passing range will aid United’s tactical style under Solskjaer. Also, the 26-year-old has often set up the pacy Leicester stars with long balls and he can be equipped to do the same at United, with the club boasting of speedsters in attack like Marcus Rashford and Daniel James now.
For Manchester United, Maguire is the need of the hour. And the Board finally seem to have gotten Solskjaer his man, according to Pedulla. The transfer saga is set to come to an end, with United set to go into the season with a reinvigorated defensive line after the addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the pending arrival of Harry Maguire.