Why holding onto Harry Maguire was the best move by Leicester City

After ample speculation over Leicester City defender Harry Maguire’s future at the club, the Foxes have successfully managed to hold onto their star man. Manchester United were linked with the player all summer and it looked as though Maguire was set to leave King Power Stadium. (Independent)

Jose Mourinho had insisted that he would like the club to complete at least two more transfers before the window shuts, but the Red Devils failed to grant him his wish (h/t Independent). Manchester United have now ended an unusually quiet transfer window which saw them acquire just three new faces.

Leicester City, on the other hand, should be overjoyed after Maguire stayed put. The former Hull City defender has come a long way since his relegation with the Tigers. Maguire made the move to King Power just last year and has since gone on to establish himself as a key member of Claude Puel’s side.

A committed and diligent defender, Maguire played all 38 games for the Foxes in the Premier League last season. He is an agile and fit defender who showed no signs of fatigue as the season carried on. Maguire is a tough-tackling defender and any striker who goes up against him, usually has their work cut out for them. Tall and commanding in the defence, it’s not often an attacker gets past Maguire.

The defender’s commendable performances also saw him earn a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad that impressed in Russia. As the Three Lions ultimately finished 4^th, Maguire played a crucial role for the squad. The 25-year-old once again played every game for his country in Russia, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist in that time.

Maguire also racked up 2 goals and 4 assists for the Foxes in the league last season. What makes him one of the most sought-after defenders is his ability to pop up with goals. Maguire was a constant threat during set-pieces and deliveries for the Foxes. He was an even bigger threat for the Three Lions.

Every time the Foxes won a free-kick in the final third, Maguire would be seen charging forward in search of goals.

Now that the window has shut and Maguire is still at the club, Leicester City must focus on the rest of their Premier League campaign after succumbing to a loss against Manchester United during their first game.