Stuart Pearce: Harry Maguire ‘ticks so many boxes’ for West Ham amid transfer update
Harry Maguire to West Ham United is a “no-brainer” due to his experience and leadership, according to Stuart Pearce.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, the former Hammers hero claimed the 30-year-old “ticks so many boxes” for West Ham amid Alan Nixon’s recent report (4 August) that he and Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay are set for medicals to join the club.
The Irons are yet to make a signing this summer and had a £20million bid rejected by the Red Devils earlier in the window, but Pearce insists he would make a valuable addition to the London Stadium.
Live on talkSPORT, Pearce said: “I know West Ham value Maguire, and so do I. When you’re looking for a player to come into your club, you’re looking for whether he plays games, if he can get a goal in the opposite box, good with his feet, current England international.
“It ticks so many boxes, and he’ll offer you leadership and he’s the right age. For me, it’s an absolute no-brainer for any team.”
Box ticker
While Maguire’s Manchester United career has somewhat tailed off into frequent mockery towards the player, he is clearly a quality and experienced Premier League-level centre-back. Perhaps Erik ten Hag’s side was too much of a step up from Leicester when Magiure made the move in 2019, but a move to West Ham could suit the now 30-year-old.
With 190 appearances in the Premier League across three different teams and being a regular in the successful England national team, West Ham would really benefit from having Maguire.
Maguire has been suspect sometimes while in a Manchester United shirt and will unlikely revolutionise the Hammers’ defence if he arrives, but he is dominant in the air and has a knack for scoring.
He is also not a good fit for the Red Devil’s current style of play under ten Hag, so a switch to a more appropriate club would be a good move.
His role would likely change compared to what he does in Manchester. The more possession-based ten Hag side meant Maguire barely had to make a tackle last season, with just 1.03 per 90 (15th percentile) [FBRef].
He will be in the thick of action much more at West Ham which will suit his strong and aggressive profile. However, many of the skills he developed at Manchester United could be beneficial to the Hammers. With 0.95 progressive carries per 90 (81st percentile), he could help set up West Ham attacks through his advanced position.
Pearce is a big fan of the move which could provide the former Manchester United captain a chance to revitalise his career.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are reportedly stepping up interest for their Kante-like Monaco midfield target.