Marcus McGuane, once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in Arsenal’s academy who left to sign for for Barcelona, has joined Huddersfield Town in a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old midfielder played 24 games for Bristol City last season as they attempted to qualify for the playoffs, but he mostly came off the bench and found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter.
Twelve months after he left, McGuane’s favored position in the midfield was rearranged by new City manager Gerhard Struber, who brought in Adam Randell from Plymouth Argyle.
Since departing Arsenal in January 2018, McGuane’s career has taken a unique turn.
He was a vital member of the team’s under-18 and under-23 teams, mostly playing central midfield but also occasionally dropping into defense. When he accepted a move to Barcelona, many were taken aback.
Even though he was never a natural winger, he was initially used out wide for Barcelona B.
Perhaps I used to play there as a child. McGuane recalled the adjustment to the wing as early as age nine or ten. “However, I am not a conservative.”
After a coach change, his stint in Catalonia rapidly lost steam after getting off to a strong start.
McGuane recalls, “Everything was going smoothly.” “I felt good, but I still hadn’t reached my peak. I felt like I was improving as I played in my natural position.
“I immediately felt the influence. It took place before to a game on a Thursday. On Saturday, we were traveling, and I wasn’t even part of the group. It was quite unexpected. It was difficult after that. I never felt the same way as I did in those initial months.
He returned to England with Oxford United and then Bristol City after spending a stint on loan with Telstar in the Dutch second division under former Arsenal academy head Andries Jonker in search of playing time.
As they work to rebuild, Huddersfield has now hired him for an unknown amount. “For his contribution in a City shirt and for his support of the community and Robins Foundation in his time at Ashton Gate,” Bristol City honored McGuane.
The transfer is another opportunity for McGuane to establish himself and realize the promise that initially enticed Barcelona to entice him away from Arsenal’s youth seven years ago.
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