Manchester United agree £30m deal to sell Harry Maguire to West Ham
After much speculation and being stripped of the captaincy by manager Erik Ten Hag, Harry Maguire is nearing his departure from Manchester United to join West Ham. Initially, the 30-year-old midfielder expressed his intention to stay and fight for his place, and United rejected a £20 million bid from West Ham for Maguire. However, recent reports indicate that the two clubs have now reached an agreement on a fee of £30 million, although personal terms are yet to be agreed upon. This transfer would result in a significant financial loss for United, who had originally purchased Maguire from Leicester City for a record-breaking £80 million in 2019.
Manchester United in talks with Jean-Clair Todibo as part of a shortlist to replace Maguire
Having prepared for Harry Maguire’s potential departure, Manchester United has initiated discussions with Ligue 1 star Jean-Clair Todibo. United has compiled a four-man shortlist to find a suitable replacement for Maguire, which includes Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen, Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich, and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Additionally, United is considering a one-year contract extension to Jonny Evans, who returned to train with the club after his contract with Leicester City expired.
Todibo emerges as the frontrunner to replace Maguire at Manchester United
Among the potential replacements, 23-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo is reporting the most likely candidate to fill Maguire’s role at Manchester United. The club has initiated contact with Nice to discuss the transfer, as Todibo is presumed surplus to requirements. Nice’s sporting, Florent, has acknowledged the possibility of Ghisol’s departure, applicable director that if all parties can reach agreement, the transfer can be completed. Todibo began his career at Toulouse before joining Barcelona, and subsequently spent time on loan at Schalke 04, Benfica, and Nice, before the latter purchased him outright in June 2021.
Manchester United’s transfer priorities include midfielder Sofyan Amrabat
Despite the focus on finding a suitable replacement for Maguire, Manchester United’s transfer priorities also extend to bolstering their midfield. The club is interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who previously worked under manager Erik Ten Hag Utrecht and is keen to reunite with him at Old Trafford. While personal terms between United and Amrabat are expected to be straightforward, the transfer fee must be agreed upon. Fiorentina values Amrabat at £30 million, despite having only one year remaining on his contract.
Manchester United consider potential departures in midfield
Following the sales of players supposed surplus to requirements, Manchester United is also contemplating potential departures in midfield. West Ham has expressed interest in Scott McTominay, with a £30 million offer being rejected by United. Additionally, Fulham and Galatasaray are reporting in signing Fred, while Donny van de Beek is linked with a move to Real Sociedad. However, the recent injury to young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo may lead to increased playing time for McTominay in the coming weeks.
