Liverpool Told to Consider Shock Move for Manchester United's Maguire
Liverpool have received some extraordinary transfer advice from one of their former players, with Dietmar Hamann suggesting the Premier League champions should contemplate signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer.
Free Agent Possibility Looms for £80m Defender
The 32-year-old centre-back is approaching the end of his contract at Old Trafford, with United yet to make a decision about offering him new terms. Maguire, who joined United for £80 million from Leicester City, could become a free agent in June, potentially opening the door for one of the most controversial transfers in English football history.
Hamann made his surprising recommendation during an interview with CasinoBeats, stating: "You've got to give it to Harry Maguire because he got so much stick in the last few years and he always comes back. If he's available on a free then they obviously have to think about it because I think what Liverpool need is more depth at the back."
Revitalised Form Under Carrick's Management
Maguire has recently returned from a lengthy injury absence and has started both matches under new Manchester United manager Michael Carrick. The defender delivered impressive performances in victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, earning player of the match honours in the latter fixture.
His resurgence has sparked speculation about a potential England recall ahead of this summer's World Cup, where he could potentially participate as a free agent if his United contract situation remains unresolved.
Historic Rivalry Makes Transfer Unprecedented
The last direct transfer between Manchester United and Liverpool occurred 62 years ago when Phil Chisnall moved from Old Trafford to Anfield in 1964. Such moves between the fierce rivals are exceptionally rare, making Hamann's suggestion particularly controversial.
When questioned about Maguire's future before United's 3-2 victory at Arsenal, Carrick offered a measured response: "I think it's just coming into that time of the season really, with contracts and, obviously, January is January and the window, so I'm kind of working my way through that and coming towards the end of the season, in terms of contracts and decisions. That will obviously be taken and discussed in good time really, and at the right time."
Alternative Defensive Targets Identified
While making his sensational recommendation about Maguire, Hamann also identified two other centre-backs he believes Liverpool should consider:
- Mickey van de Ven - The Tottenham defender who has impressed this season
- Nico Schlotterbeck - The Borussia Dortmund and Germany international who has taken a leadership role at his club
Regarding Schlotterbeck, Hamann elaborated: "He's in talks with the club on whether he's going to extend his contract. Schlotterbeck has really taken on a leading role at Dortmund in the last 18 months. He is probably our best centre-back in the national team. He'll certainly play at the World Cup for Germany. He'd be a player. He's got one year left on the contract. I'm sure that Liverpool inquired about him. He wouldn't be the worst choice. He's a left-footed player as well."
The suggestion that Liverpool should consider signing a Manchester United player, particularly one who has faced significant criticism in recent seasons, represents one of the more unconventional transfer proposals of the current campaign. With Maguire potentially available without a transfer fee this summer, the financial aspect adds an intriguing dimension to what would otherwise seem an improbable move between two of English football's greatest rivals.
