A Manchester United star could be set for a shock move to the Saudi Pro League when his contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
While Rúben Amorim is coming under increasing pressure on the pitch – although some has been taken away after the win against Sunderland – the transfer team will already be preparing for the January and then summer transfer windows.
If Amorim is to stay at Manchester United, Jason Wilcox must bring in midfield reinforcement in January, but United could be set for a busier summer than the winter transfer window. The Red Devils usually save their business for the end of the season, although Patrick Dorgu joined halfway through last season.
Signing players will be the focus, but United also need to ensure they finalise more permanent outgoings next summer. The “Bomb Squad” – a term coined for the five players exiled from Amorim’s squad – saw just two players (Alejandro Garnacho and Antony) leave on full transfers.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho left on loan deals, while Tyrell Malacia stayed at the club. United will focus on removing the rest of the “Bomb Squad” while removing more players who aren’t key for Amorim, potentially including a “complete flop”.
United also run the risk of losing players who they don’t want to leave the club, with some facing the end of their contracts at the end of the season.
Maguire set for Ronaldo reunion
Harry Maguire – who returned to the bench against Sunderland for Leny Yoro – has been at Old Trafford since the summer of 2019, when he became the most expensive defender of all time. However, his current contract expires in the summer of 2026.
As per The Mirror, Maguire has become a target for Al-Ettifaq and Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side. The England international is free to talk to clubs outside of England on January 1.
While it could spell the end of his international career, Maguire may be attracted to a move to Saudi Arabia if he can play with Ronaldo again, or if the wage package is worthwhile to move his family across the world.
The former United captain’s contract was initially set to expire last summer, but United utilised their additional year clause to keep him for the 2025/26 season. After the contract renewal was announced, Maguire said: “Last year, the clause was in their hands, so there was no option for me there. There was no talking.”
He continued to say: “Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and what I want to be. I don’t want to put it out there to everybody, but it’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.”
Maguire could be crucial for Amorim at United
Maguire is known to be one of the leaders at Old Trafford – as one of the members of Amorim’s six-man leadership group – and he is playing a key role this season.
While he doesn’t always start, Maguire is often brought into the action before the end of the 90 minutes. Amorim trusts him to make the difference in attack and defence.
He has also reportedly played a part in integrating Shea Lacey into the first team setup, after being “taken aback” by the quality of the young winger. Maguire’s experience will make it easier for Lacey when he does make his debut.
The former Leicester City defender will be key for Amorim – on or off the pitch – and should remain at the club if they can come to a reasonable agreement before the summer.
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