West Ham’s £60m McTominay and Maguire Bid: A Bold Move for Defensive Reinforcement

West Ham Makes £60m Bid for McTominay and Maguire

Introduction

In a bid to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, West Ham United has made a combined £60m bid for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay. The move comes after West Ham agreed on a £32m deal to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez. Álvarez is expected to fill the defensive midfield position, leaving West Ham in search of a No 8. McTominay has been on West Ham’s radar since January, and with the 26-year-old Scottish international potentially needing regular game time, a move away from Manchester United could be on the cards. Meanwhile, Maguire, who made only eight Premier League starts last season, could provide the defensive reinforcement that West Ham is seeking. However, the challenge lies in finding a solution to the significant salary increase that Maguire received due to United’s Champions League qualification.

West Ham’s Transfer Ambitions

West Ham’s pursuit of Maguire has been ongoing, with the club failing in their previous attempt to secure the defender on loan and having a £20m bid rejected. Despite his hefty price tag of £80m when he left Leicester four years ago, Maguire‘s limited game time last season has put his future at United in question. The stumbling block for West Ham, however, lies in Maguire‘s high wages, which they are currently working to address.

Álvarez Set to Join West Ham

Edson Álvarez, the Mexican international midfielder, has already agreed to terms on a five-year deal with West Ham. The 25-year-old almost joined Borussia Dortmund at the start of the transfer window but encountered difficulties with personal terms. Álvarez’s signing is expected to boost team morale, particularly after a disappointing 4-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly match last weekend. West Ham’s interest in Álvarez has been longstanding, with the club intensifying their pursuit of him in recent weeks.

Moyes’ Future and Potential Targets

David Moyes, West Ham’s manager, is under renewed scrutiny following a difficult pre-season. His relationship with Tim Steidten, the club’s new technical director, has also been strained due to disagreements over transfer targets. Moyes has requested proven Premier League players, and Steidten has struggled to convince him to pursue Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana. Despite winning the Europa Conference League, Moyes will likely face job insecurity if West Ham makes a slow start to the season.

Possible Striker Targets

In addition to midfield reinforcements, Moyes may also look to sign a striker. Gianluca Scamacca is set to be sold to Atalanta, which opens up opportunities to bring in a new forward. Potential targets include Armando Broja from Chelsea, Folarin Balogun from Arsenal, and Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Other Areas of Interest

West Ham is also in the market for a left-winger and may consider signing a left-back if Aaron Cresswell departs. While Cresswell’s move to Wolves fell through, West Ham is monitoring players such as Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Adrien Truffert from Rennes.

Conclusion

West Ham United’s ambitious bid for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay demonstrates their determination to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season. With the impending arrival of Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez, West Ham is keen to secure midfield reinforcements and potentially provide new opportunities for McTominay, who seeks regular game time, and Maguire, who has struggled for minutes at United. However, challenges lie in addressing Maguire‘s high wages and maintaining a positive relationship between manager David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten. As West Ham continues to pursue other targets, including potential strikers and wide players, the club’s success in the transfer market will play a crucial role in their ambitions for the upcoming season.