Manchester United complete world-record signing of Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has completed his move to Manchester United from Leicester City for a world-record fee believed to be £80million.
The transfer fee paid for Maguire will make the 26-year-old more expensive than the £75m that Liverpool splashed out on Virgil van Dijk last year.
Maguire has signed a six-year contract with the Old Trafford club, with an option to extend for a further year.
It will also be the second-highest transfer fee United have paid for a player, behind the £89m for Paul Pogba in 2016.
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Maguire joins Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James as United’s only recruits so far in the summer transfer window, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to mould the squad ahead of his first full season in charge of the club.
Maguire told the club’s website: “I am delighted to have signed for this great club.
“I have 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.
“From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.”
On the signing of the defender, Solsjaker explained his delight at the capture of former Hull man, calling him a ‘fantastic addition’.
Solskjaer said: “Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature. 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.
”He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club.
“I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season.”
United finished sixth in the last Premier League campaign, and the Red Devils will be hoping that Maguire can improve a defence which conceded the most goals out of the top nine clubs in the league last season.
It would also seem United have beaten fierce rivals Manchester City to the signing of the former Sheffield United player. City boss Pep Guardiola said he believes United will challenge at the top of the Premier League again this season, having last won the title in 2013.
The Spaniard admitted City would have liked to sign Maguire but were unable to afford the price that their closest neighbours are paying for the defender.
Guardiola explained: “We were interested but we could not afford it. United could afford it. Congratulations to United on this signing.”
Maguire is expected to go straight into Solsjkaer’s squad for United’s opening fixture of the Premier League season on Sunday against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
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