15 August 2023 , 10:08
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Harry Maguire’s £30m move to West Ham appears to have collapsed after the east London club grew impatient with the England defender’s exit negotiations at Manchester United.
As first reported by the Guardian, the Hammers are now turning their attention to other central defensive options having run out of patience with Maguire. The clubs had agreed a fee last week but Maguire, who was stripped of the United captaincy by head coach Erik ten Hag at the beginning of pre-season, has stalled over the transfer because he wants to be compensated.
Maguire had agreed personal terms with West Ham that would have seen the 30-year-old take a pay cut on his £190,000 wage at Old Trafford, which explains his determination to secure a significant pay off estimated to be about £10m. He has two years remaining on his current contract and received an increase after the club qualified for the Champions League.
United signed Maguire from Leicester City in 2019 for £80m, which remains the record for a defender. But Ten Hag decided early last season that Maguire’s ball-playing ability was not up to scratch and he spent much of the campaign on the bench, making just eight league starts.
He was an unused substitute in last night’s 1-0 win over Wolves and beforehand Ten Hag said he had to “prove” himself if he wanted to remain at the club. Swedish international Victor Lindelof replaced Lisandro Martinez at half-time, suggesting that Maguire is at best presently fourth choice.
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Ten Hag said: "For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place. He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back and he is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
Harry Maguire was an unused substitute in Monday night's win over Wolves (Will Palmer/Allstar)"But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go. Then he has to make a decision, but I’m happy with him.”
West Ham boss David Moyes confirmed last week that a bid had been accepted but would not elaborate on what Maguire could bring to his team because he was not yet their player.