Chelsea considering Man Utd's Maguire in SHOCK summer move

Cameron Smith

• 17 Jul 2023 12:20 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly considering a shock summer move for out-of-favour Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was recently stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford.

Maguire, 30, had been Red Devils captain since January 2020, just six months after he joined, but confirmed on social media that Erik ten Hag has demoted him from that role after barely featuring last season.

The England international started just eight Premier League games during the 2022/23 campaign, and Bruno Fernandes, who wore the armband for the majority of last year, is the most likely candidate to be appointed as the next permanent club captain at the club.

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Following news of his dismissal as captain, Maguire was left ‘angry, shocked and upset,’ according to The Sun, who have reported that he is now keen to seek an exit from the club after being pushed down the pecking order by Ten Hag.

In May, FootballTransfers exclusively reported that West Ham and Tottenham were interested in signing Maguire - information that has now been confirmed by UK newspapers - while Chelsea have now joined the race to sign him, according to The Sun.

The Blues have seen Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly both depart this summer, while Thiago Silva is now approaching 39.

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However, new boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to deploy a back four at Stamford Bridge, while Levi Colwill is set to return from his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, despite interest from the Seagulls and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

As a result, a full-hearted push for Maguire seems unlikely, especially given the former Leicester City defender wouldn’t be first-choice at Chelsea, much like at Old Trafford.

Maguire stripped of Man Utd captaincy

On Sunday, Maguire took to social media to confirm that he is no longer Man Utd skipper.

He Tweeted: “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.

“So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband. Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football.

“I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful - on and off the field. I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support. Harry.”

His contract at Man Utd is set to expire in 2025, although he could be sold this summer to help fund a move for Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.