The 22-year-old could be a great long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season.placeholder image
The 22-year-old could be a great long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season. | Getty Images
The 22-year-old could be a great long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
The Red Devils’ squad is fairly well balanced, but they do lack depth in several areas, which could become an issue if they suffer injury problems. Furthermore, there are a couple of United players who need replacing in the summer, as Casemiro and Harry Maguire are both out of contract.
Neither has signed a new deal with the club. Out of the two, it looks like Maguire is the most dead-set to leave the club, so Man United will need to sign a new centre-back to replace the reliable English defender.
£22m bid ‘prepared’ for Man United, Spurs and Newcastle target
One of the centre-backs that has been linked with Man United is Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, as it is understood that the Red Devils have been scouting the 22-year-old for several months, and they could potentially make a move for him this month.
However, according to a report by Caught Offside, German side RB Leipzig have ‘prepared’ a £22m bid for Muharemovic, which could spark Man United into action, as they wouldn’t want to miss out on the promising Bosnian centre-back. The report describes him as “one of Italy’s most consistent young defenders”.
Man United aren’t the only Premier League club that are keen on Muharemovic either, as Tottenham and Newcastle both view him as a target, as they need more quality at the centre-back position.
The 22-year-old has made 18 appearances for Sassuolo this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He has been a regular fixture in the Serie A club’s starting XI, and a move to a big club seems to be the next step. But, seeing as Leipzig are ready to move for him, Man United, Spurs and Newcastle may have to act fast.
Will Man United extend Maguire’s contract?
Maguire, 32, has been at Old Trafford since 2019, when he made the blockbuster move from Leicester City. He has since been a reliable centre-back option both for Man United and England, but his role has reduced in the past couple of years.
This season, Maguire has made just eight Premier League appearances, amid injury struggles, and competition from the likes of Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. In recent weeks, Maguire has seemingly fallen behind youngster Ayden Heaven in the squad, too, so you wouldn’t blame him for wanting to leave in the summer.
With Maguire’s contract up in June, he will likely leave in search of more game time, and Man United would likely let him, as they would surely rather sign a younger defender such as Muharemovic, rather than extending his deal, seeing as he’s at the back end of his footballing career.
Continue Reading