Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur have made James Maddison their top summer transfer target, with Leicester City prepared to cash in on the midfielder rather than risk losing him for nothing. Maddison is about to enter the final year of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2024, and talks over a renewal have hit an impasse. The 26-year-old is thought to be keen for a new challenge elsewhere, though his only focus right now is on ensuring Leicester retain their Premier League status with the side currently down in 19th place.
Despite only having a year left on his contract come summer, Leicester will demand a fee in the region of £50 million for the playmaker – who arrived from Norwich five years ago for half that price. That feels like a potential bargain, though, given Maddison is currently in the prime of his career, while his form has continued to be excellent despite Leicester’s struggles. He has scored nine goals and laid on six assists this season in 22 Premier League appearances – a key contribution every 120 minutes – while he was involved in 20 goals last season.
Tottenham are long-time admirers of the England international dating back to his time at Coventry City, though they never made a move for him. Maddison is now viewed as a player who could lead something of a rebuild in the summer, while his versatility – capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder or deeper, as well as out wide – is particularly attractive. The north Londoners, although currently managerless, are in desperate need of a creative spark in midfield and there is a feeling that Maddison would tick a host of boxes for whoever is appointed to succeed Antonio Conte.
On Leicester’s part, there is growing recognition that they are unlikely to be able to hold onto Maddison or agree a new contract, so they would rather cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing. They have already had the same issue with Youri Tielemans this season, with the Belgian set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign – something they cannot afford to happen with Maddison too.
As things stand, Tottenham are positioned to make the first play to sign Maddison though he has previously been linked with the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal. In more good news for Spurs fans, the club confirmed on Wednesday that they will not be putting up their season ticket prices for the 2023-24 campaign.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing James Maddison from Leicester City. The midfielder is about to enter the final year of his contract, and talks over a renewal have hit an impasse. Maddison is thought to be keen for a new challenge elsewhere, though his only focus right now is on ensuring Leicester retain their Premier League status with the side currently down in 19th place. Leicester City are prepared to cash in rather than risk losing the midfielder for nothing, and Tottenham are positioning themselves at the front of the queue.