West Ham face no shortage of questions heading into the January transfer window.
The club’s start to the season has been grim, both under former manager Graham Potter and new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Potter was dismissed after a poor run, and Nuno has picked up just one point from his first two games—albeit against tough opposition in Everton and Arsenal.
The Hammers have looked ineffective going forward and shaky at the back, conceding too many goals and leaving them 19th in the Premier League.
With defensive reinforcements a priority, talk had emerged of one player in particular potentially joining the London club in January.
However, that move now looks unlikely.
West Ham Given Maguire Verdict
The player in question was Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
The former Sheffield United and Hull City defender, who once drew praise from England boss Gareth Southgate as “outstanding,” reportedly turned down a proposed transfer to West Ham in the summer of 2024, despite a fee being agreed.
Reports suggested West Ham might renew their interest in Harry Maguire in January 2026, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
But Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Maguire and Manchester United are “in talks” over a new deal that would extend his seven-year tenure at Old Trafford.
With club football paused for internationals and Maguire absent from this month’s England squad, Romano reports a face-to-face meeting has already taken place in “recent days.” He adds that further discussions are expected, with United “happy overall with Maguire’s contribution and leadership.”
For West Ham, a proven Premier League defender and England international would have been an ideal solution to their defensive woes.
With Maguire seemingly committed to staying at Old Trafford, the Hammers will need to look elsewhere in January to strengthen their backline.
