According to reports, Liverpool are trying to bring in Hull City’s defensive sensation Harry Maguire this summer, as manager Jurgen Klopp aims to beef up his defence for next season with Champions League almost in the bag now.
The 24-year-old has been one of the few positive aspects in an otherwise dismal season for Hull City. The Tigers confirmed their relegation last week as Marco Silva’s men saw them getting outplayed by Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. And it makes retaining players all the more difficult for the club now.
Liverpool overcame a nervy few weeks in the Premier League with a thumping win over West Ham United last week leaving them just one win away from sealing a top four spot. Klopp let a huge sigh of relief as his back line successfully fended off the Hammers’ attack, a large of which was missing though.
The Reds have been hugely criticised for their defensive lapses this season and Klopp’s men have lost points repeatedly against weaker sides, which ultimately saw them fall out of the title race despite starting the season superbly. And the German manager wouldn’t want to repeat it next season.
Maguire can be a terrific addition at Anfield without a doubt. His gigantic figure and ability to read the game perfectly could make him an ideal partner alongside Joel Matip. The Egyptian international has been the only defender to show consistency under Klopp’s defence with Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren hardly supporting.
With just one more year left on his contract, it will only be logical that Hull City sells Maguire this summer and given the number of elite suitors he has garnered, Hull are expecting good money in return. Hull are also expecting a major exodus at the end of the season given they have many on-loan players in the squad.
A youth product of Barnsley, Maguire soon returned to his hometown club Sheffield United after two impressive years. He wasted no time in becoming the fan-favorite there and after six good seasons, Hull City finally picked him up in 2014 for a mere £2.5million.
However, he didn’t enter the first-team immediately and needed a short stint with Wigan Athletic before the team called him into the first team. Maguire has been a solid rock for Hull alongside the likes of Michael Dawson and Andrea Ranocchia with his towering figure enabling him to win 81% of his aerial duels.
With Mamadou Sakho a sure departure next season, Maguire’s strength and disciplined defending could be a huge asset for them.
