One of the more bizarre transfer links of the summer has popped up on the rumour mill today with Fabrizio Romano suggesting Barcelona hold an interest in England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. Whether the 29-year-old is available for purchase is unknown, but the interest will likely please the Englishman given the torrid time he’s had at United of late.
Manchester United infamously purchased Maguire for a record fee of £80 million from Leicester City in 2019. The England international enjoyed a commendable start to life at United, earning the captaincy, but this season, his form has dipped notably. He is very much a man who one feels could do with a move. However, United would likely have to take a major hit on the large sum they paid for his services 3 years ago.
United could be open to selling their captain. Fabrizio Romano has spoken of new manager Erik Ten Haag’s desire to bring in a new centre-back, preferably either one of Jurrien Timber or Pau Torres, which could render Maguire surplus to requirements at Manchester United.
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However, it is believed that the interest in Maguire from Barça is tentative, and a deal is unlikely to occur this window. Furthermore, centre-half is one of Barça’s stronger areas, with Gerard Pique, Clément Lenglet, Ronald Araujo, Samuel Umtiti, and Eric Garçia Xavi Hernandez’s current options at the heart of the defence.
For now, the Catalan side will continue to focus on keeping hold of what they have as they struggle to tie down Gavi and Sergi Roberto to new deals. Whether Frenkie De Jong stays at the club will likely also be a deciding factor in where finances are directed to in regard to incomings. One suspects; however, such resources won’t be directed towards the funding of a move for Harry Maguire.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Barcelona, Transfers