Manchester United are expected to invest in the backline in 2026 amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Harry Maguire.
The English defender is no longer a guaranteed starter under Ruben Amorim, although he has still registered seven appearances across competitions this season, including three starts.
While he remains an important squad member, Maguire’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, further adding to speculation regarding his future.
Recent reports have stated that the 32 year old is wanted in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq ready to sign him for free next summer.
Maguire hasn’t lived up to expectations at Old Trafford
Maguire has divided opinion among fans since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City. The Red Devils reportedly paid £80m for his signature, which is a world record fee for a defender.
The Englishman has since registered 253 appearances across competitions for United to date, winning the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. However, he has failed to live up to the billing of the “costliest defender” in the world.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils also have Lisandro Martinez in their squad, but the Argentine’s fitness record makes for grim reading.
The Premier League giants, as such, are likely to turn back to the market for solutions next year. Recent reports suggest that they have their eyes on Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whose contract also expires in 2026.
The French defender has been indispensable for the Bavarians this season, registering nine appearances across competitions, including eight starts. Upamecano would be a perfect fit in Ruben Amorim’s tactics, but INEOS won’t be too pleased with the latest update on the French defender.
Upamecano yet to agree signing fee
According to Bundesliga insider Christian Falk, the Bundesliga champions have reached an agreement with the player’s camp regarding his base salary.
The report adds that the next step in discussions is the signing fees. Bayern Munich reportedly paid Alphonso Davies £17.3m after he agreed to a new deal earlier this year, but they are reluctant to offer Upamecano such an astronomical sum.
“An important step forward has already been taken in negotiations, as both sides have now appeared to reach an agreement on the base salary!” wrote Falk.
“The next hurdle for Bayern Munich to clear now appears to be the signing fee. On that note, fullback Alphonso Davies reportedly received around €20m [£17.3m] after agreeing a new contract.
“However, FC Bayern chiefs are not prepared to offer quite as much to the also Premier League-linked Upamecano should he agree to extend his own terms at the Allianz Arena.”
All, as such, may not be lost for United, who are likely to keep a close watch on the situation in the coming months.
If Upamecano refuses to sign a new deal, the Red Devils could make a move in 2026, although they will face competition from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Featured image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
