Manchester United have completed the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City for £80 million, a world record transfer fee for a defender.
Maguire signs for the club on a six-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.
Harry Maguire to #MUFC :heavy_check_mark: Six-year deal with the option of a further year. £80 million. The most expensive defender in history pic.twitter.com/6tQibCNFgM
- Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 5, 2019
Welcome Slabhead! @HarryMaguire93 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/GlL20gaTeg
- United Xtra (@utdxtra) August 5, 2019
The 26-year-old is "excited about the vision" Solskjaer has for the team ahead of the new campaign:
"I am delighted to have signed for this great club. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons." he said via the club's official website.
"However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.
"From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It's clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started."
We have an important announcement to make...
Welcome, @HarryMaguire93 :wave: #MUFC
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2019
:loud_sound: New player, same #MUFC DNA
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2019
Our first interview with @HarryMaguire93 is not to be missed :point_down:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also expressed his delight at his latest signing.
"Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature." he said.
"He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch with the ability to remain calm under pressure - coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes - I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.
"He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club. I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer :speech_balloon::
"Harry [Maguire] is one of the best central defensemen today and I'm glad we got his signature. He can read the game very well. He has a great physical presence on the field and has the ability to remain calm under pressure."#MUFC :red_circle: pic.twitter.com/auXvjI52yy
- Manchester United :red_circle: (@ManUnited_ENG_) August 5, 2019
The 26-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the transfer window, has finally got his wish of joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
United launched a £70m offer for Maguire last month, but the Foxes turned down the offer as they held out for £80m.
Manchester City also reportedly offered Maguire a £280,000-a-week contract, but again that offer didn't materialise.
Official: Manchester United have completed the signing of Harry Maguire on a six-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/A6NHyxb6OP
- Devils Latest (@Devils_Latest) August 5, 2019
Maguire was reportedly 'completely frustrated' as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement.
He was then left out of Leicester's squad to face Atlanta in a pre-season friendly because he wasn't in the right frame of mind.
Harry Maguire has made it clear he wants to join Man United. They're prepared to pay £80m.
Leicester won't sell unless someone's prepared to meet their valuation which they've never made public. Maguire determined to be professional but completely frustrated at the situation
- Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 1, 2019
But the England international has finally got his wish of joining Manchester United and will reportedly earn £200,000 a week, according to The Daily Mail.
Do you think Maguire is a good signing for the club?
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