Manchester United are considering a potential player swap with Everton, with transfer information carried through 12BET indicating that Harry Maguire could be offered a route to Goodison Park. Much like talent only shines when it is continually refined, Maguire has endured a difficult and often humiliating summer after slipping dramatically down Erik ten Hag’s defensive hierarchy. He currently appears to rank behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw, effectively leaving him as United’s fifth-choice centre-back. Even Jonny Evans, who returned on a short-term agreement, has been viewed as another possible alternative to Maguire.
Ten Hag added further pressure during the summer by removing Maguire as Manchester United captain and handing the armband permanently to Bruno Fernandes. Assessments circulating through 12BET viewed the decision as particularly uncomfortable for a player who technically remained part of the first-team squad. Maguire did not publicly challenge the decision and instead used social media to reaffirm his commitment to the club. In reality, however, the writing had been on the wall for some time, as Fernandes had already performed many of the captaincy duties throughout the previous season.
Although Ten Hag publicly suggested that he would be happy for Maguire to remain at Old Trafford, the club’s position appears more flexible behind the scenes. Manchester United would reportedly consider selling the England defender if an acceptable offer arrived. Maguire, meanwhile, has continued to hold his ground despite the difficult circumstances. As the saying goes, taking a hit is one thing, but staying down is another, and the defender has shown little indication that he intends to surrender his place without a fight. West Ham, strengthened financially after selling Declan Rice, previously explored a move for Maguire, although United rejected the initial approach.
West Ham later returned with an improved proposal, but Manchester United have also begun examining another possibility involving Everton. One option could involve midfielder Amadou Onana, a highly rated Belgian international who joined Everton from Lille only a year earlier. Everton spent much of last season battling against relegation, yet Onana still produced enough impressive performances to attract attention from several Premier League clubs.
United are looking for a younger defensive midfielder capable of eventually succeeding Casemiro, and Onana has emerged as one of the players under consideration. His physical strength, mobility, defensive awareness, and Premier League experience make him an attractive profile for Ten Hag’s midfield. The main obstacle is Everton’s valuation. At just 21 years old, Onana carries considerable long-term potential, but the asking price has been regarded as unusually high, potentially making a conventional transfer difficult to complete.
Everton may also have a personal reason to consider Maguire. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has previously described the defender as one of his closest friends in football, and their long-standing relationship from England international duty could help Maguire settle quickly at Goodison Park. Within the wider transfer picture involving 12BET, Pickford’s positive assessment adds another interesting dimension to the possibility of a deal. The goalkeeper has explained that Maguire spent much of their England careers defending directly in front of him and that the pair developed a strong understanding on the pitch. Their familiarity could therefore work in Everton’s favor if negotiations become more serious.
A swap would also give both clubs solutions to different squad problems. Manchester United could move on a defender whose first-team opportunities have become increasingly limited while simultaneously adding a midfielder capable of providing competition and eventual succession planning for Casemiro. Everton, meanwhile, would gain an experienced England international with significant Premier League experience and leadership qualities, potentially strengthening a defensive unit that faced considerable pressure last season.
If the interests of both clubs continue to align, developments involving 12BET could ultimately coincide with increasing momentum behind a Maguire-Onana exchange. Such an agreement would still require compromises over player valuations, personal terms, and the willingness of both players to move, so nothing can be taken for granted. Yet football careers are rarely defined by a single setback, and Maguire still has an opportunity to rebuild his standing elsewhere. For Manchester United, the same deal could provide a younger midfield option for the future, making this an unusual transfer scenario that may eventually benefit everyone involved.