Manchester United defender weighing up Saudi offers | OneFootball

Maguire Edges Towards Saudi Switch As United Plot Long-Term Defence Refresh

The Mirror are reporting that Harry Maguire could be heading for a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League once his Manchester United contract expires in June. The 31-year-old centre-back, signed for £80million from Leicester City in 2019, remains the world’s most expensive defender but his future at Old Trafford now looks all but over.

United triggered a 12-month extension last summer, yet according to The Mirror, “the Red Devils aren’t expected to offer fresh terms as they look to the future.” It is a revealing line, suggesting the club hierarchy have accepted that Maguire’s chapter in Manchester has run its course. With Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq circling, the Saudi temptation is growing.

Contract Clarity And Saudi Interest

Maguire himself admitted earlier in the season, “Last year, the clause was in their hands, so there was no option for me there… This year, obviously I’m up at the end of the year.” He sounds ready for an exit, even if he remains careful with his wording.

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He added, “I’m sure over the next few months they’ll sit down and we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend.” That conversation now seems unlikely to end in renewal.

Financial Logic And Emotional Farewell

From a business standpoint, allowing Maguire to leave on a free is painful. Yet his wages are significant and his role has diminished. United must accept that Maguire, who “could be tempted to cash in on what would be the last lucrative move of his career,” is no longer central to the club’s plans.

Dressing Room Legacy

While his captaincy era divided opinions, no one can question his resilience. Even as his England place fades under Thomas Tuchel, he continues to carry himself respectfully. A move to Al-Nassr would even see him reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo, an eye-catching storyline.

United’s backline reset is finally taking shape. Maguire stepping aside feels inevitable and perhaps beneficial to all parties.

Our View – EPL Index

From a United fan perspective, this feels overdue yet strangely emotional. Harry Maguire took more criticism than any player in recent memory and while some was deserved, a lot went overboard. He played through abuse, jeers and media ridicule, yet he never fired shots at the club. That alone earns respect.

Still, sentiment cannot stall progress. United need faster, more modern defenders who suit a higher defensive line. Maguire is brave in the air and strong in one-on-one duels, but turning speed and transition defending have always been his weak points. If clubs like Al-Nassr are willing to offer vast wages, fair play to him. He has earned one final payday.

United fans should wish him well and focus on the bigger picture. If United want to catch Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, the defence must be rebuilt around mobility, aggression and composure on the ball. Maguire leaving is not just exit news, it is a symbolic checkpoint. The rebuild is real now.