Both Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq are monitoring the situation closely after United decided against triggering an extension on his contract, which expires in June 2026.

Maguire, 32, became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million. Since then, he has made over 230 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists.

Despite captaining the club for more than three years, his role diminished under Erik ten Hag, who preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez as first-choice centre-backs.

The 2024/25 campaign underlined his struggle for regular minutes. Maguire featured in just 23 matches across all competitions, compared to 43 in 2020/21 when he was virtually ever-present. His 82% passing accuracy and 4.5 clearances per game still ranked among the highest in United’s defensive line, but lapses in pace and consistency have cost him his place in the starting XI.

A potential move to Saudi Arabia could revive his career financially and professionally. Reports suggest Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq are ready to offer wages in excess of £300,000 per week nearly double his current Old Trafford salary.

For Maguire, it would not only mean joining the likes of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané in the Middle East but also securing one last major contract before retirement.

United’s decision to move on reflects a broader defensive rebuild. With Varane set to leave on a free transfer next summer and a youngster like Willy Kambwala and Teden Mengi emerging, Amorim is expected to invest heavily in a new centre-back during the January window. That leaves Maguire, once trusted as club captain, as surplus to requirements despite his leadership and experience.

For England manager Tuchel, Maguire’s future is equally significant. He has been a mainstay in the national team, earning 65 caps and starring in Euro 2020.

A move outside Europe may raise questions about his international prospects, but with Saudi Arabia’s growing footballing profile, it may not rule him out. What is clear is that Maguire’s six-year journey at Old Trafford is edging towards its conclusion.