Tottenham Hotspur are getting a ‘bargain’ with James Maddison on his way to the Premier League giants from Leicester City in a deal worth just £40 million.
With neither Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso living up to expectations in North London, Spurs arguably haven’t had an elite-level attacking midfielder since Christian Eriksen ran down his contract and forced through a move to Inter Milan three-and-a-half years ago.
So the arrival of James Maddison – Fabrizio Romano uttering those three magic words on Wednesday morning – has elicited considerable excitement among a Tottenham Hotspur fanbase who had very little to shout about during a traumatic 2022/23 campaign.
Especially with Spurs expected to seal the deal for just £40 million, benefitting from Leicester City’s relegation while getting an England international – and a proven Premier League operator – for a fraction of his usual market value.
If it’s getting done for £40 million, I think that’s brilliant. He is a player that we need. A creative midfielder, a top, top player. He’s going to add strength to the squad and it improves the team.
“I’m excited to see what he can do. We need a number ten, and he is the perfect fit for the club. I think it’s a bit of a bargain getting him for that price, when you look at the players going for £105 million.
“He’s been playing in the Premier League week-in, week-out. I’m happy.”
Maddison, once labelled a ‘world-class’ talent by England boss Gareth Southgate, scored 10 goals and set up nine more for a largely abysmal Leicester side last term.
Tottenham have successfully fought off competition from long-time admirers Newcastle United; Maddison becoming Ange Postecoglou’s first high-profile signing since the new head coach arrived from Celtic at the start of June.
Newcastle may now turn to Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga instead. Veiga has a £33 million release clause in his contract.
