Harry Maguire Becomes Most Expensive Defender in the World

Published 08/02/2019, 11:10 AM EDT

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Manchester United have struck a record £85m-deal with Leicester City for Harry Maguire which will make him the most expensive defender in football history. 

According to the Telegraph, the 26-year old is set to become a Manchester United player in the coming days after the Reds reached an agreement in principle with the Leicester bosses early this morning. 

Harry Maguire was left out of Brendan Rodgers’ squad for their pre-season friendly against Serie A outfit Atalanta at the King Power Stadium on Friday with the defender desperately seeking a move to the Premier League giants since the beginning of the summer transfer window. 

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The Englishman was reportedly furious with the Foxes when they turned down a £70m offer from Manchester United. Arch-rivals Manchester City were also in the race for Maguire following the departure of Vincent Kompany. However, the Premier League champions were unwilling to match the massive asking price.

United have already signed right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for £50m to boost their ageing defence line. The Reds conceded a staggering 54 goals in the Premier League last season, more than the likes of 12th and 13th placed Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

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Current captain Ashley Young turned 34 last month and Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling are now almost thirty. And given Eric Bailly’s constant injury troubles, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in dire need to rebuild his squad if they are to challenge domestically and in Europe next season. 

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Harry Maguire’s stock significantly rose following his brilliant showings with semi-finalists England in last year’s FIFA World Cup. He has also been consistently impressive in the Premier League following his £17m move from Hull in 2017.

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The Englishman’s arrival will be a huge statement from Manchester United ahead of what is a vital year at Old Trafford. 

The defender’s £85m transfer fee will eclipse the £75m Liverpool paid to Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in January last year. 

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Written by:

Mehul Gupta

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