According to a recent report by Metro, Manchester City are ready to bring Leicester City defender Harry Maguire to the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer period. The same source has revealed that the Citizens have identified the Foxes centre-back as an ideal candidate to replace Vincent Kompany next season and so they are prepared to hijack their rivals, Manchester United’s move to land him this summer.
Maguire’s Rapid Rise To The Top With The Foxes
Maguire has enjoyed another brilliant campaign with the West Midlands outfit after putting in a series of commanding displays at the back during this season. The £75m rated defender has featured in 32 matches for Leicester this term and has three goals to his name in all competitions.
More importantly, he has made an average of 1.0 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 4.9 clearances in 31 Premier League matches so far which has helped the Foxes claim a healthy 9th placed finish in the league table (Stats taken from Whoscored).
The Sheffield-born talent also played an integral role for Gareth Southgate’s England national side in last summer’s FIFA World Cup when they managed to reach the semi-finals of the competition. Thus, it won’t be a surprise if a top club like Man City makes a move for his talents in this offseason as Maguire has proven his worth time and again in the recent past.
What Will The English Defender Add To Guardiola’s Side?
Maguire is physically strong and has enough pace in his tank to recover when left isolated in 1v1 situations. His incredible upper body strength helps him leap over the opposition attackers and be a dominant presence at both ends of the pitch. Furthermore, he can also play the ball out from the back, which will suit Guardiola’s style of play at Man City.
The potential acquisition of a quality defender like Maguire will undoubtedly improve Guardiola’s defensive options at the Etihad Stadium. The Leicester defender doesn’t have too many weaknesses in his game as such which makes him the perfect candidate to replace Kompany heading into the new campaign.
Should The Citizens Move In For Maguire?
At 26, Maguire is currently playing the best football of his career which the Premier League champions could look to benefit from over the next few years. Hence, Guardiola should try everything in his power to recruit the English defensive ace this summer.
