West Ham has been consistently associated with a potential move to acquire Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire, with rumors surfacing on multiple occasions in the past. The most recent speculation emerged just prior to the opening of the January transfer window.
David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, evidently holds a strong admiration for Harry Maguire, aged 31. I firmly believe he would integrate seamlessly into our system.
Maguire excels in a defensive setup with a deep backline, as demonstrated during his time at Leicester City. However, he faces challenges when playing for teams that employ a high-pressing style.
Criticism has been directed at Maguire by both fans and the media for opting to remain at Manchester United instead of pursuing a move to West Ham for the opportunity of regular playing time ahead of the Euros.
Having only featured in 16 Premier League games under Erik ten Hag this season, as per Transfermarkt, it’s clear that Maguire’s potential impact at West Ham under Moyes would have been significant.
Nevertheless, it appears that the seasoned central defender might be presented with another opportunity to join West Ham.
Manchester United want West Ham star and could offer Harry Maguire in exchange
As reported by the Express, the England international defender may no longer be deemed essential at Old Trafford after this season. Manchester United could potentially use him as leverage in an attempt to acquire one of West Ham’s standout players.
According to the Express, Manchester United is prepared to rival Manchester City in pursuit of signing Lucas Paqueta during the upcoming summer transfer window. Paqueta, who was brought in by Moyes from Lyon for £50 million in the summer of 2022, has since become a beloved figure among fans at the London Stadium.
In the summer of 2023, there were strong rumors linking Paqueta with a move to Manchester City, which ultimately didn’t materialize due to ongoing investigations into potential betting breaches involving the 26-year-old.
Considering Paqueta’s talent and potential to compete for major trophies, it wouldn’t be surprising if he leaves West Ham in the upcoming summer transfer window. However, I’d find it somewhat unexpected if he chooses Manchester United over Manchester City. Additionally, I’m uncertain whether West Ham should pursue the signing of Harry Maguire from Manchester United in the summer.
While Maguire could perform well for West Ham, it seems like he’s already turned down the opportunity to join the club in the past. Pursuing him now might not be the best course of action.
Given the choice, I’d prefer a straightforward £85 million cash offer from Manchester City for Paqueta rather than a part-exchange deal involving Manchester United.