Manchester United (MU) has decided to sell midfielder Harry Maguire to West Ham United. Maguire, who was previously the captain, was removed from the team’s plans by coach Ten Hag. The transfer fee agreed upon between the two clubs is £30 million, which is lower than what MU had initially expected. West Ham has also reached favorable agreements with Maguire personally, and it is only a matter of time before the 30-year-old midfielder moves to the London team. However, Maguire will have to accept a reduction in his salary as West Ham cannot pay him £190,000 per week. As compensation for terminating his contract ahead of time, MU will pay Maguire £10 million before his departure.
According to reports, coach David Moyes played a significant role in convincing Maguire to join West Ham. Moyes personally called the player multiple times, successfully persuading him to make the move. Despite the deal being finalized between West Ham and MU, Maguire has not been allowed to leave yet. Coach Ten Hag is still keeping him at MU because a replacement has not yet been chosen. Maguire will only be allowed to join West Ham once MU completes the purchase of a new central defender.
Currently, MU is considering three central defenders as potential replacements for Maguire: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice), and Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen). Among these options, Pavard is seen as the number one priority for the Red Devils. Pavard himself is eager to leave Bayern and find a new challenge in the Premier League. If Pavard cannot be acquired, MU will make efforts to sign Todibo. Recently, MU’s scouting department was present at the Allianz Riviera to watch Todibo in action for Nice against Lille, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Nice is reportedly demanding a transfer fee of no less than €50 million for Todibo.
