Harry Maguire comparison made as West Ham United aim to seal Aaron Wan-Bissaka transfer
Manchester United need to be willing to do for Aaron Wan-Bissaka what they wouldn’t for Harry Maguire if he is to join West Ham, Alex Crook has said.
The Hammers are making a real push to sign Wan-Bissaka before the end of the window (Dharmesh Sheth, 5 August) but it has been reported the full-back has requested a pay off from the Red Devils before signing on at the London Stadium (the Sun).
Speaking on talkSPORT (6 August), transfer expert Crook compared the situation to a year ago when the Hammers had agreed a deal with the Red Devils for Maguire before the move fell through.
“There’s certainly confidence. We’re in a bit of a Harry Maguire situation. If you remember this time last year, United had accepted an offer from West Ham for Maguire it looked like he was on his way,” Crook said.
“He didn’t go in the end because he’d have had to take a pay cut and he asked Manchester United to top up his wages.
“They refused and he ended up staying, I think Wan-Bissaka has made a similar request – which isn’t unusual when you leave one of the big clubs you take a little bit of a step down in terms of stature and salary, so it will be interesting to see if Manchester United are willing to do for Wan-Bissaka what they wouldn’t do for Harry Maguire last summer.”
Will West Ham get Wan-Bissaka done?
Even after what happened, many within the Hammers community think Maguire would serve as a good signing. Regardless of whether or not you agree with that, Crook has a good point here. Manchester United know that there’s a real risk associated with letting someone like Wan-Bissaka go, especially in such a promising new era for the club.
Julen Lopetegui has the money and the drive necessary to get this over the finish line. In equal measure, the Red Devils have proven themselves to be stubborn in the past. The former Crystal Palace defender has had some great years of service at Old Trafford, but it does feel like he’s ready for this next chapter.
Of course, defensive issues are one of the big concerns that Lopetegui wants to address during this window. With Max Kilman already coming through the door from Wolves, signing Wan-Bissaka would be an excellent addition to their defensive ranks.
In other West Ham news, the Irons stance on a deal for Jhon Duran has emerged after they signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.
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