Manchester United veteran Harry Maguire is approaching a make-or-break juncture in his Old Trafford career as his contract comes to a close
Harry Maguire walking past a Manchester United crest
Harry Maguire has a number of options at his fingertips as his Manchester United contract expires this summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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A crossroads awaits Manchester United star Harry Maguire this summer as his contract reaches its expiration date. And after seven years at Old Trafford, the club faces a conundrum in what to do with one of the linchpins in their defence.
Despite his many twists and turns, dips in form and resurgent returns, Maguire has come out at the other side with his reputation intact. One could even argue that for all the scrutiny he's faced since leaving Leicester City in 2019, he has come to balance out his £80million investment over time.
But the fact remains the player is set to turn 33 in March and holds little in terms of resale value. The most expensive defender of all time signed a one-year extension to remain with United last summer but could now be moved on for free.
That's not a foregone conclusion, however, and Maguire may yet pen fresh terms given he's looked largely reliable when called upon this term. Much will depend on whether Michael Carrick gets the permanent managerial role as the MEN assesses Maguire's options.
New Man United contract
Currently one of United's highest earners on wages of £200,000 a week, Maguire may have to accept a pay cut in the event he does pen fresh terms at Old Trafford. The next contract he pens could be the last major deal of his career, but United hold a lot of the cards in negotiations now.
Only three other United players earn more than Maguire at present: captain Bruno Fernandes (£300,000 a week), the departing Casemiro (£375k) and fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt (£195k). However, there's no debate that there are considerably more than three players at Old Trafford more valuable than the England defender today.
Harry Maguire embraces the adulation of the Manchester United fans after scoring the winner against Liverpool
There's a good chance Maguire could yet sign a new United deal on reduced terms(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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If Maguire acquiesced to those demands, it's easy to envision a future where he agrees to a new, shorter-term deal. However, much of that will depend on the player and how eager he is to remain part of the United setup.
Similar to the two-year deal Virgil van Dijk agreed to remain at Liverpool last summer, Maguire could sail into his mid-thirties as one of the longest-serving United stars among the current crop. Not that he's had the same impact as his Anfield counterpart, but United at least know what they have in Maguire.
Follow Scott McTominay
One of the potential moves being mooted for Maguire is a summer switch to Serie A. After all, the Italian sojourn has worked wonderfully for former team-mate Scott McTominay, who has torn it up at Napoli since moving in the summer of 2024.
The Athletic reported Maguire's agent has been contacted by representatives in Italy who are monitoring the player's situation. And one can see the appeal given it would keep Maguire in one of Europe's top leagues, which is arguably better-suited to his style of play.
Manchester United's winning goal scorer Scott McTominay smiles with team mate Harry Maguire after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford
Maguire could reunite with Scott McTominay if Napoli revive their interest(Image: 2023 Visionhaus)
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The Yorkshireman has come to cultivate a reputation for his calmness on the ball despite wobbles in confidence over the years. The Maguire of today usually gives off a more assured air in possession, which is critical for a defender's success in Serie A today.
His aerial dominance would also lend itself well in a league that has helped build numerous defenders' legacies in the past. Antonio Conte's Napoli have also been linked with the player since McTominay joined, setting the stage for a potential reunion in Naples.
Move to Turkey
The other overseas switch most strongly reported in recent weeks concerns a transition to Turkey. Super Lig clubs are also understood to have made contact with Maguire's agent in the hopes of turning his attention.
A number of big-name English players have joined the Super Lig ranks in recent years with varying degrees of success. Tammy Abraham, Daniel Sturridge, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dele Alli have each made the switch across the Mediterranean, often ending up in Istanbul.
Joining one of Turkey's more established clubs often comes with the added benefit of having a more certain route to play Champions League football. The likes of Galatasaray or Fenerbahce in particular frequently feature in Europe's top competition, which serves as an added incentive in moving to the Super Lig.
Premier League switch
While others are tempted to move abroad and experience a different side of football towards the ends of their careers, that may not be for Maguire. And in the event he wishes to remain a Premier League player, he's bound to have his share of suitors.
West Ham in particular have been linked with the player's signature on several occasions over the years. The Hammers are even believed to have had a £30m agreement all but signed for the player in 2023, only for the move to collapse.
It was speculated at the time Maguire would agree to have his wages reduced to around £120,000 a week to join the Hammers. That gives some barometer as to just how far United could hack down the player's salary if he signs an extension, as well as signifying how much rival clubs can expect to pay should they sign him.
Everton were also linked with the player during the summer of 2023, and the Toffees have a history of taking on United alumni. Maguire would also fit David Moyes' bill of preferring tall, tough centre-backs, and one could see him fitting in a rotation alongside the likes of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski.