Former West Ham Scout Provides Update On Club’s Chase Of Man United Defender: Good Fit For The Hammers? | OneFootball

West Ham United appear ready to revisit their long-standing admiration for Harry Maguire. Recent reports suggest the Hammers could swoop for the Manchester United defender if he leaves Old Trafford.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown recently said that the club have kept Maguire on their target list for years. Brown confirmed that the East London outfit tried to sign Maguire during David Moyes’ tenure. Manchester United seemed open to a sale at that time. However, the deal collapsed because West Ham’s hierarchy refused to meet the financial demands.

West Ham want Manchester United defender Harry Maguire

Brown believes the landscape has changed significantly. The 32-year-old might be available on a free transfer when his contract expires. Therefore, the former scout insists the Hammers will monitor the situation closely. He emphasised the defender’s ability to bring experience and defensive skill to the squad.

The scout expects competition from other Premier League sides. These teams also want similar reinforcements. However, he maintains that West Ham’s history of interest puts them in a strong position. The club’s recruitment team will likely track Maguire’s contract talks in Manchester. They see a potential free transfer as a smart chance to improve their backline without paying a huge fee.

“We wanted to bring Maguire in when I was at West Ham.”

“We felt he would have been a good addition under Moyes, and Man United were willing to sell, but then the club wouldn’t meet his asking price.

“Now that he might be available on a free transfer, I expect that’s something they will be aware of, and he will still be on their list of targets.

“He’s an upgrade on everything they’ve got at the moment, that’s for sure.

“The opportunity to get a player like him, who will improve their squad and add experience and know-how at the back on a free transfer, should be one they take.

“West Ham won’t be the only interested club because there are a few in the Premier League who could do with a player like that, but like I say, they’ve wanted him for years.

“They’ll be keeping an eye on what happens with his contract at Man United and if he’s going to be available, yeah, I think it would be a good move.”

Does the Move Make Sense in 2026?

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Harry Maguire of Manchester United looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The case for signing Harry Maguire remains strong. West Ham have struggled for any sort of form this season. The Hammers currently sit 18th in the Premier League table. A shaky defence has hurt them, as they have given up far more goals than they have scored.

Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo arrived in recent windows. Even so, the backline often lacks a loud, commanding leader. Maguire is now nearing the end of his deal at Old Trafford. He offers the seasoned leadership that fans at the London Stadium have missed.

Statistics from the 2025/26 season show West Ham’s weakness. They especially struggle with headers and staying organised during set-pieces. Maguire usually dominates these areas. Nuno Espirito Santo currently manages the squad and prefers a structured defence. However, his team have only kept one clean sheet in months. Adding a Premier League veteran who captained Manchester United could provide the stability they need to reach the top half of the table.

Financially, the move carries low risk. The club can sign a player of the Englishman’s quality without a transfer fee. This allows them to spend money elsewhere, perhaps on a creative midfielder. People still worry about his pace. However, his ability to read the game would fit well with the speed of Todibo, Kilman or Mavropanos. If Manchester United cannot agree on new terms, West Ham should finally finish the deal they have wanted for years.