Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City ‘could not afford’ a deal for Leicester City defender Harry Maguire.
The England international has completed a move to rivals Manchester United, signing a six-year contract at Old Trafford after the clubs agreed on an £80m deal to take the 26-year-old to Old Trafford, a deal that will make Maguire the world’s most expensive defender.
Man City had been interested in a deal for Maguire as they seek a replacement for the departed Vincent Kompany, however, Guardiola has congratulated United on the signing, revealing that the defender’s record-breaking fee made a move to the Premier League champions unfeasible.
“Yeah. Maguire is an excellent, top-class player,” Guardiola said following City’s Community Shield win over Liverpool on Sunday.
“We were interested, but we could not afford it. United afford it. He’s an excellent player, national team too, he had an incredible World Cup.
“He’s strong in the air, good with the ball, the build-up, he drives with the ball, he’s fast, so fast. He has all the qualities. Congratulations to United for this signature.”
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See also – The Week In Transfers: Maguire, Kean & Cutrone
