Leicester City are 7/1 (8.0) to finish higher than Manchester United in the Premier League next season after Harry Maguire’s transfer to the Red Devils was confirmed on Monday afternoon.
United paid £80 million for the centre-back, making him the most expensive defender in history, as they attempt to bolster a backline that conceded 54 times last term.
The Foxes have been challenging for the top six in each the last two seasons but fans may still feel confident of putting up a fight despite losing Maguire, thanks to the signings of Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans.
Steve Freeth of bet365 said: “The departure of Maguire will be seen as a blow to Leicester’s perceived top six challenge and a boost for Man Utd in their quest to be back challenging for the Premier League title.
“However, we’ve seen the Red Devils drift from 25/1 (26.0) out to 40/1 (41.0) over the last week or so, while the money for the Foxes has hardly dried up on the back of Maguire’s imminent departure from the King Power Stadium.”
While Leicester are a 300/1 (301.0) shot to win the Premier League, the 7/2 (4.50) quote on a top six finish may attract some attention, along with the 7/1 (8.0) on their season match bet against United.
On the reverse side, bet365 make the Red Devils just 1/12 (1.08) to finish above the Foxes for the fourth season in a row and 1/6 (1.16) to end the season in the top six, with a top four finish priced at 11/10 (2.10).
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That 11/10 (2.10) price sees them joint-fourth favourites to finish in the Champions League spots, along with Chelsea at the same price and Arsenal trailing slightly on 6/4 (2.50).
Maguire is certain to be an important piece of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive puzzle next season and bet365 offer 33/1 (34.0) that he follows in Virgil van Dijk’s footsteps by winning PFA Player of the Year award.
Van Dijk was previously the most expensive defender in the world and was a big part of the reason Liverpool finished second, with United fans sure to be hoping for a similar showing from Maguire.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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