Why James Maddison could be the low-key transfer deal of the summer

Sam McGuire

• 16 Jun 2023 11:20 BST
• 5 min read

Transfer sagas usually dominate the summer window but this year might be a little different.

Jude Bellingham has already joined Real Madrid, Alexis Mac Allister opted to move to Liverpool and it appears as though Mason Mount has made up his mind with reports suggesting the Chelsea man wants to move to Manchester United.

There is a potential Kylian Mbappe saga, despite the player coming out and rebuffing claims he’s looking to leave PSG this summer. A lot of transfers appear to be cut and dry, so those with a little uncertainty will dominate conversations until a decision is made.

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James Maddison is someone who falls into this category.

The 26-year-old looks set to leave Leicester City following their relegation to the Championship. Maddison has just 12 months left on his current deal and has no plans to extend his stay with the Foxes in England’s second tier.

Spurs have long held an interest in the versatile midfielder while Newcastle reportedly tried to land the England international in January. Arsenal have been linked in the past and there is potential for that to be revisited. Liverpool are another club who have reportedly shown an interest in the former Norwich City man on multiple occasions.

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The Reds are opportunistic in the transfer market and this could well tick a few boxes for them, especially after missing out on two of their top targets in Bellingham and Mount. Maddison might not be at their level or even similar in terms of playing profile but he is someone who can impact the final phase.

Maddison finished the 2022/23 campaign with 10 goals and nine assists, an impressive haul considering Leicester’s poor form. It was the second successive season in which he’s netted double digits in the Premier League after finishing with 12 goals and eight assists last term.

Sky Sports recently revealed Maddison has been one of the most influential creators in the English top-flight. Since the start of the 2018/19 campaign, Maddison ranks third in the Premier League for chances created (347), seventh for big chances created (50) and eighth for assists (32).

According to reports, the Foxes are believed to want €55 million for their wantaway star, not too far off his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) (€46.7m).

If used properly, Maddison has the potential to be a useful asset for a very top team.

Where should Maddison go?

Depending on the framework around him, the Leicester No.10 could perhaps play as a right-sided midfielder for Spurs. New manager Ange Postecoglou preferred a 4-3-3 shape at Celtic, though this did, at times, morph into a 4-2-3-1. He loaded the midfield with high-energy players and this isn’t necessarily a selling point for Maddison, he is used to playing in a similar system having done so for Brendan Rodgers.

He could play as one of the eights for Spurs or even as the attacking midfielder behind Harry Kane. Having someone as good as Maddison is in possession in those areas will only be a positive for a team looking to get the best out of a forward three.

Newcastle need to bolster their options across the board having qualified for the Champions League. Maddison could slot into midfield for the Magpies or even operate on the right side of the attack if Eddie Howe wants something a little different there. He has a lot of direct attackers who can carry the ball but few options if he’s wanting to create from wide.

Arsenal are another team in need of added depth this season. Mikel Arteta will once again want to challenge for the title and someone like Maddison would help prolong that charge. His versatility means he can fill in across the forward line as well as in midfield. He brings goals and assists to the team too.

By comparison, Liverpool need a starter. The right-sided midfield role for the Reds is essentially an attacking midfielder. Jordan Henderson has occupied that role for the best part of two seasons and despite being in advanced areas a lot of the time, he rarely chips in with goals or assists. Adding someone with the technical quality of Maddison and his goal threat could see the position increase in value for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Mount was earmarked for that role but maybe Maddison could be a good fit.