Leeds United could secure a top-quality free agent signing next summer.placeholder image
Leeds United could secure a top-quality free agent signing next summer. | Getty Images
Leeds United are enjoying life back in the Premier League after two years away
Despite recently dropping down to 16th place, the league table does not tell the whole story for Leeds United so far this season as it has been an encouraging return to the Premier League for Daniel Farke’s side.
Amidst a recent history of struggling newly-promoted sides being written off by Christmas, Leeds have demonstrated signs that they have what it takes to compete at this level. Their only mention around strugglers such as Wolves and West Ham United so far has been due to the fact in itself that Farke’s men are newly-promoted to the division.
The Whites beat Wolves and Everton, also drawing with Newcastle United and Bournemouth at Elland Road, the latter of which saw the Cherries snatch a last-minute equaliser. A similar fate arrived at Craven Cottage, as Fulham stole a late 1-0 victory thanks to an unfortunate own goal.
Other than a comprehensive defeat at leaders Arsenal, a 2-0 reverse away at Burnley was Leeds’ only disappointing performance thus far. As such, fans will have hope that they can survive come the end of the season.
Leeds could secure Harry Maguire signing if defender departs Old Trafford
Recent reports by Mail Sport suggest that Manchester United defender Harry Maguire might not sign a new contract at Old Trafford when his current deal expires at the end of the current season, meaning the 32-year-old could be free to walk away for nothing next summer.
Maguire was United’s hero as he headed home late on to end the Red Devils’ nine-year Anfield hoodoo with a 2-1 win at arch-rivals Liverpool last weekend, but the reality is that the England man is a bit-part player these days and his high wages would probably be better spent elsewhere. He has previously been linked with an exit, but it appears more likely this time that his United story will come to a close.
The club are said not to have made a final decision on the future of former £80 million signing Maguire, with ‘regular contact’ being maintained with the player’s camp but no offer on the table as of yet. While a pay-cut on his £190,000-a-week wage is not out of the question, this is said to depend on the length of contract Maguire is offered.
The former Red Devils captain had a 12-month contract extension triggered last summer but will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1st, 2026. But if he is available as a free agent next summer, Leeds should make a ploy for the veteran England defender.
Maguire would be a valuable addition to Leeds’ defence if they survive in PL
This prospective move relies on Leeds surviving the drop this season, as it is inconceivable for Maguire to drop down to the Championship, both from a financial or sporting perspective. The 64-cap Three Lions international still has a lot to offer both on and off the pitch, still in with an outside shout of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad for next summer, and could be a decisive signing if Leeds want to shift the culture within the club and become an established Premier League outfit.
The former Leicester City and Hull City star has hardly put a foot wrong in the last couple of seasons for club or country, having previously been weighed down by the pressure of his price tag and of the captain’s armband at Old Trafford. But his recent renaissance has been heart-warming to see, and there will be several top-flight clubs interested in Maguire’s services if he becomes available in 2026.
Originally hailing from Yorkshire himself, if Maguire and fans can put aside the rivalry between Leeds and his boyhood club Sheffield United, then this could be a match made in heaven. Maguire is not only a top professional who drives standards on and off the pitch, he is a threat in both boxes and remains deceptively good on the ball, a facet of his game which is often forgotten.
He would be a smart signing for whoever can get him - provided he takes a substantial pay-cut, which is to be expected if he remains in England - and Leeds will hope that they can be the side to secure his services.
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