Manchester City Enter Race To Sign Harry Maguire

Even on the verge of signing Rodri, Joao Cancelo, and Angelino, Manchester City are not through making additions to their title-defending squad in the summer transfer window yet.

Pep Guardiola’s squad have leapfrogged rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Leicester City center-back Harry Maguire. Leicester City previously has valued McGuire at £80 million, a price both Manchester clubs refused to consider negotiating. Maguire and the club however apparently have a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave the Foxes this summer if he chooses to do so. With Maguire appearing keen on leaving the club, Leicester has lowered his price tag to £65 million, a price that Manchester City seem willing to pay.

City’s rival, Manchester United, have also shown interest in signing the 26-year-old, but they appear to have their work cut out for them. Maguire has made it known that his first choice is to play under Guardiola’s tutelage at Manchester City. To make matters worse, United have reportedly tried to offer Leicester City £45 for Maguire, an offer so low below the Foxes asking point that they have not enough bothered to entertain it.

Guardiola eyes Maguire as a replacement at the club for Vincent Kompany, who left Manchester City for his boyhood club RSC Anderlecht this summer after 11 seasons with Manchester City. Kompany’s leadership and personality will not be easy to replace in City’s dressing room. City probably looks at Maguire as someone who can be a leader for them as well as a first choice center back next to Aymeric Laporte.

The transfer of Riyad Mahrez would be Manchester City’s new record signing. Manchester City’s current record signing is Riyad Mahrez, who they also bought from Leicester City, last summer for £60 million. As Manchester City continues to build a squad capable of winning the UEFA Champions League, there is no doubt that Guardiola has them in a position to win as good as any other club in Europe.

Article by Jason Hirsch