Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United takes an unexpected turn with 2026 exit mooted
Manchester United are a club that are always in the headlines, and currently, Harry Maguire is one of the players who is hogging the media headlines. The 32-year-old faced lots of criticisms during his start to the Manchester United tenure, but he has built his reputation with his solid performance slowly and steadily. The Englishman is now an integral part of the plan and tactics of the current manager, Ruben Amorim, and has attracted a lot of praise for his displays on the field.
Now, we have a report on the future of Harry Maguire. The Daily Star reports that Saudi League clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq are impressed by the English defender and would like to sign him for free when his contract at Old Trafford expires next summer. Maguire can start talking with foreign clubs from January when he enters the final six months of his United contract.
The Saudi clubs have recently looked to sign many stalwarts from Europe and the Premier League. It now looks like it is time for Maguire to step into Saudi Arabia and join the likes of former United players like Cristiano Ronaldo. If he manages a Saudi move, then it could turn out to be the last big move in the defender’s career.
The Red Devils have to think about whether they want to extend the contract of a ageing defender like Maguire with pretty high wages. If the Englishman leaves for Saudi Arabia, he will receive a substantial salary which will in turn benefit him at the fag end of his career. The report has also stated that the Saudi clubs will accelerate talks with the Englishman in winter, and it hints at another potential United transfer story involving a familiar United figure.
Manchester United’s stance and Maguire’s renewed standing
Manchester United’s decision-making surrounding Maguire’s contract still draws interest. Last season, the club triggered a one-year extension without consulting him, keeping him under contract until June 2026. That call did raise eyebrows, though it also signalled the club’s desire to maintain experienced leadership within a transitioning squad.
Under the current boss, Ruben Amorim, Maguire’s role has changed. The Portuguese manager named him part of a six-man leadership group, showing his trust in Maguire’s influence. Amorim has time and time again praised Maguire publicly for his professionalism and experience. Meanwhile, United earned a much-needed 2-0 win against Sunderland, and the manager made his feelings known at the post-match press conference. The 40-year-old also praised Benjamin Sesko, who scored his first goal at Old Trafford.
Coming to the Englishman, his revival helped Amorim’s tactical setup that often uses a back-three formation. Though Maguire might not start every game, his influence both on and off the pitch is evident. From a financial perspective, United may see sense in letting Maguire walk free next summer. If the Red Devils offload his salary, it will open budget space for younger options while allowing the player to pursue one final contract abroad. His contributions, leadership, and ability to steady the defence when called upon deserve recognition, even if his next chapter unfolds away from Old Trafford.