Harry Maguire signs with Manchester United after record $144 million move from Leicester

Defender Harry Maguire has made history by moving from Leicester to Manchester United in a world record fee move and reveals why he just couldn’t say no to the Premier League giants.

Harry Maguire with United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Picture: Manchester United

Harry Maguire is convinced Manchester United have a bright future ahead after completing his STG 80 million move ($A144 million) to Old Trafford.

The England defender has signed a six-year contract, with the option of a further year, after United met Leicester’s demand for a world-record fee for a defender.

He is the club’s third signing of the summer after Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rebuilds his squad after last season’s frustrating sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

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The 26-year-old, who was also linked with champions Manchester City, believes he has joined the club at an exciting time.

Speaking in an interview with United’s in-house media, Maguire said: “It’s such a big club and I’m really looking forward to getting started. I’m hoping it will be a successful season and I’ll give everything I’ve got for this club.

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Harry Maguire with United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Picture: Manchester United

“It’s a young team now and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies.

“I think you’ve seen the players that we’ve brought in already this year. You can see they’re trying to build and improve on last season and I’m sure we’ll do that.”

Maguire’s future had been the subject of speculation all summer.

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City were interested but were unwilling to meet a valuation by Leicester that eclipsed the STG 75 million Liverpool paid for centre-back Virgil Van Dijk last year.

The Foxes were in a strong negotiating position having tied Maguire to a new five-year contract last September.

United pursued the deal having made strengthening the centre of their defence a priority, a need that increased after Eric Bailly suffered a knee injury that could sideline him for four months during pre-season.

Maguire has moved to Manchester United on a six-year contract.

The fee ensured Leicester made a handsome profit on a player they signed from Hull for an initial STG 12 million two years ago.

Maguire said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons. However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.”

Maguire could make his debut in Sunday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea.

“Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature,” Solskjaer said.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me and played a part in my career.

I’m proud and honoured to join @ManUtd. What an incredible football journey it’s been so far ⚽ pic.twitter.com/yVaTnBBHv6

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 5, 2019

“He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure — coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes — I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.”

Maguire’s arrival may not be the end of United’s summer transfer business.

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala had been in talks over a swap deal that could have seen Romelu Lukaku move the other way, but it is understood the Argentina international’s wage demands have put paid to that.

Lukaku, however, remains keen to leave Old Trafford and Inter Milan are pushing to sign him but it remains to be seen if they make an acceptable bid.

United have also been linked with another Juve forward, Mario Mandzukic, but any deal could be affected by the Dybala-Lukaku situation.

Originally published as Harry Maguire signs with Manchester United after record $144 million move from Leicester