According to the latest reports from the Mirror, Manchester City have jumped ahead of their derby rivals Manchester United for the signature of Harry Maguire. It is being said that the defender himself prefers a move to the Premier League Champions as he is excited at the prospect of playing under a manager like Pep Guardiola.
Why were City always expected to have the edge over Manchester United?
That is what you get when you have a revolutionary or a marquee manager at the club. More than the club, sometimes it’s the manager managing those clubs that work as a ‘pull factor’ in the transfer market. With no Champions League football, news about player’s unhappiness and unrest in the dressing room and an unproven manager like Ole Gunnar Solskjær at the club, it is no surprise to see City getting the better of United even off the field now.
Leicester City meanwhile are still standing firm on to their price tag of £80m for the defender. Whereas City just wants to pay £65m. However, it is understood that the Foxes would accept a fee of £65m which the Citizens are willing to offer. A bit contradictory, but that is what the report from the Mirror states.
Why are City looking for a defender?
It is no surprise to see the back to back English champions looking at the centre-back market this summer. Vincent Kompany has already parted ways with the club. Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi too might move away in search of more game time. Therefore it is imperative for Guardiola to sign a centre half in the summer.
Will Maguire be a good bet for City?
The England international has proven himself for the Foxes in the last few years. His on the ball abilities and reading of the game is impressive. Maguire often sticks tightly with his man as he looks to press them up the pitch. That should suit someone like Guardiola as he usually wants his defenders to breathe down the opposition’s neck when they dominate possession and not give the opposition striker an out ball by pressing him high.
Maguire is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the division, and that should be important for Guardiola as he wants his defenders to play out from the back and keep their composure in possession even when they are pressed. Maguire is physically strong and brave on the ball, and he is currently at the peak of his power.
One can go on to say that the 26-year-old is almost tailor-made for someone like Guardiola and it is no surprise to see Manchester City willing to pay £65m for him.
