According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Manchester City are in the driver’s seat to secure the signature of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in this off-season. The same source has revealed that the Citizens are close to sealing a world-record £80m deal to bring the English defender to the Etihad Stadium during the ongoing summer transfer window.
Maguire’s Incredible Rise In English Football
Maguire has been one of the best centre-backs in Premier League football over the past couple of seasons. He has been a rock at the back for the Foxes and also played an integral part for England in their semi-final run-in at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer.
The Sheffield born defensive ace had another outstanding season at the King Power Stadium as he helped Leicester claim another top-half finish in the English top-flight standings. He made a total of 32 appearances for the West Midlands side while scoring three goals for them across all competitions.
More importantly, Maguire made an average of 1.0 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 4.9 clearances per game for the Foxes in the previous campaign (stats via whoscored).
What Will The English Centre-half Add To Guardiola’s Side?
Maguire is a commanding presence inside his own box and has enough pace in his locker to recover when left isolated in 1v1 situations. The Three Lions defender can also play the ball out from the back which will suit Pep Guardiola’s brand of football at the Etihad Stadium. Furthermore, Maguire has also proven in the past that he can score some important goals from set-pieces.
Signing Maguire For £80m: Wise Move For The Citizens?
The Citizens need a new face in defence as Vincent Kompany is currently in the twilight years of his playing career. Thus, Maguire will be an ideal long-term replacement for the Belgian defender, and at 26, he is currently playing the best football of his career which makes it a perfect move for Man City to sign him for big money this summer.
Maguire will not only improve the quality of Guardiola’s backline but will also bolster their strength in depth as they aim to go for the three-peat in the Premier League next season.
