West Ham United have had a difficult transfer window but are looking at adding Harry Maguire to the squad this summer, with the defender potentially being appointed club captain upon his arrival, per ExWHUemployee on the West Ham Way.
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Hammers Fail to Strengthen Squad
Despite picking up the club’s first trophy since the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, David Moyes has not managed to secure any new signings so far this summer. Declan Rice has departed for Arsenal in a big-money move, Gianluca Scamacca has completed a move to Atalanta to replace Rasmus Hojlund and Manuel Lanzini has left on a free transfer to join River Plate.
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There are rumours of a power struggle regarding incomings between Moyes and the new Technical Director Tim Steidten. The manager may be struggling with the concept of a transfer committee making decisions, but it is part of the way modern football clubs are run. Transfer fees are inflated and owners are keen to spread the responsibility between numerous sources. The net effect is that the squad is significantly weaker, having finished 14th and just six points clear of the relegation zone last season.
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Maguire Is Captain Material
According to the ExWHUemployee, the West Ham manager is considering making Maguire the club captain, should he accept a move in the coming weeks. Fabrizio Romano has reported that ‘fee now agreed’ for a £30 million deal.
There will have to be some negotiation on wages, and it remains to be seen if the England defender would be willing to compromise, seeing as his next contract could be his last chance to earn significant money having turned 30 in March.
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The Englishman was club captain for the Red Devils last season and led the side out in the final game of the Premier League campaign, a 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Fulham. It is believed the player is unsure about the move and that the Hammers offering him the armband may help to get the deal over the line. He also captained his country for the first time in November 2020 in a 3-0 win over Ireland.
Despite a drop-off in performances from the centre-back and being stripped of the armband this summer, he is still Premier League quality and would undoubtedly be the first choice at West Ham. This is one to watch, as the club will need new additions and the indications are that this is close to getting over the line.
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