Man Utd confirm world-record £85m transfer signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City
MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the world-record £85million signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City.
The England international, 26, has become the most expensive defender on the planet after penning a six-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.
Maguire said: “I’m 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 teammates and getting the season started.”
RED RECORD
After weeks of negotiations, the Red Devils finally agreed the blockbuster fee with the Foxes on Friday. Maguire then travelled to Manchester for a medical on Sunday.
And now he has rubber-stamped his dream move with the huge fee — £10m more than Liverpool forked out for Virgil van Dijk inDecember 2017 — will be paid in cash without add-ons.
It is the second highest figure paid by a Premier League club, with only Paul Pogba’s £89m Old Trafford return in 2016 topping it.
It brings an end to the transfer saga that saw United battle rivals Manchester City for the 20-cap Three Lions favourite.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the ex-Sheffield United and Hull City ace his No .1 target but he had to remain patient to get his man as Leicester demanded the record fee.
‘FANTASTIC ADDITION’
Now Solskjaer has finally got his man and he could not be happier.
The Norwegian 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.”
Maguire missed training earlier in the week and was then left out of Friday’s pre-season friendly with Atalanta before Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed a transfer fee had been agreed with United.
Maguire becomes Solskjaer’s third signing of the summer.
The United chief has bought British this window with the centre-back joining full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wales winger Dan James through the door.
Hull are set to land £10.2m of the fee with a 15 per cent sell-on clause on profits from when they sold Maguire to Leicester two years ago.
