In a revealing turn of events at Old Trafford, Harry Maguire's immediate future at Manchester United has been dictated by a specific contractual agreement, with a summer departure now appearing almost certain.
The England international, who has faced a dramatic fall from grace since his £80 million arrival, was on the verge of a £30 million exit to West Ham United last summer. The deal, however, spectacularly collapsed at the eleventh hour.
The Contract Clause That Changed Everything
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that a little-known clause in Maguire's lucrative £190,000-a-week contract played a pivotal role in keeping him in Manchester. It is understood the deal included a significant pay rise triggered simply by him remaining a United player beyond a certain date in the summer 2023 transfer window.
This financial incentive made a potential move to another club, which would have undoubtedly involved a substantial wage cut, even less appealing for the 30-year-old centre-back.
Ten Hag's Verdict and a Fading Role
Despite staying put, Maguire's status under manager Erik ten Hag has not recovered. The Dutchman's preference for a defensive partnership of Raphael Varane and new signing Lisandro Martinez last season made Maguire's position as a regular starter untenable.
While he has shown professionalism and fought his way back into contention at times this campaign, his long-term prospects at the Theatre of Dreams remain bleak. The club's hierarchy is now fully prepared to sanction his sale when the transfer window reopens, viewing it as a necessary step for both the player's career and their own squad rebuilding plans.
What Next for the United Captain?
The coming summer promises to be a defining moment for Maguire. With his place in the England squad for Euro 2024 to consider, regular first-team football is paramount.
A move within the Premier League is highly likely, with West Ham and other interested parties expected to revive their interest. For Manchester United, offloading his significant wages will free up crucial funds for their own transfer targets as Ten Hag continues his overhaul of the squad.
Maguire's United story, once one of a record-breaking captain, is now nearing its end, finalised not by a dramatic bust-up, but by the fine print in a contract.
