Harry Maguire, a defender for Manchester United, has spoken out about his failed sale to West Ham United during the summer transfer window.
West Ham and their Premier League rivals agreed to a £30 million fee [Daily Mail, 9 August], only for a deal to subsequently fall through.
Maguire was questioned on his choice to stay at Old Trafford rather than sign with the Hammers, where he now has a very low position in the hierarchy.
“How should I phrase this? We simply weren’t able to reach consensus, he said, according to The Express [13 September].
They were glad to have me stay, and I was glad to stand my ground. I’ll give it my all every time I practice or play because that’s what I want to do.
Don’t be hasty
In an interview with EuroSport1, West Ham coach Kevin Nolan stated that a deal for the center-back was “very close” to being completed. Maguire made his remarks the same day.
Nolan’s assessment that “the money didn’t get sorted” shows that it had to do with the player’s personal relationships, as Man United was widely believed to have accepted West Ham’s offer.
In any case, the protracted issue came to a conclusion with about two weeks of the transfer window remaining, giving the Irons time to sign Konstantinos Mavropanos, another central-defensive target.
Mavropanos might not have the same level of fame as Maguire, but he appears to be a decent – and less expensive – fit for David Moyes’ team.
The possibility exists that West Ham will pursue Maguire again the following season, but after being misled by him once before, they ought to exercise caution.