JamesMaddison’s best season thus far was in 2020-2021, during which he contributed to 15 goals in the Premier League, despite being hampered by the same injury. He continued to improve in 2021-2022, with 12 goals and eight assists, despite Leicester’s decline as a team.
The English international has finalized his move to north London after leaving Leicester City following their relegation to the Championship.Prior to Leicester City’s confirmation of their return to the Championship, it had been widely expected that James Maddison would leave the King Power Stadium during this summer’s transfer window. Over the past two seasons, Maddison has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle.
However, it is Tottenham who have ultimately secured the signing of the talented English player. Initially, Leicester City reportedly demanded a fee of £60 million ($75.8 million) for Maddison, but after negotiations with Spurs, it is now anticipated that the transfer will cost around £40 million ($51 million).
Considering Maddison only has one year remaining on his contract, this represents a remarkable value, particularly when compared to the potential price Manchester United might pay for a similar English player like Mason Mount.
This transfer is not simply a matter of convenience; Maddison is undeniably an exceptional performer in the Premier League. By securing his services early in the transfer window, Tottenham may have accomplished the most impressive business of the summer so far.
Maddison’s consistency since joining Leicester from Coventry City has been remarkable. In his first season, he exceeded expectations by creating the highest number of chances among all players in Europe’s top-five leagues, even surpassing Lionel Messi. The arrival of Brendan Rodgers as manager in the following season further enhanced Maddison’s overall game.
While he recorded fewer assists, only Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Bruno Fernandes averaged more goal-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2019-2020 season. Maddison’s contributions helped Leicester secure a fifth-place finish, and they were on track to qualify for the Champions League if not for his untimely hip injury in April 2020.
These steady improvements demonstrate Maddison’s growing responsibility and impact with each passing season. Heading into the 2022-2023 campaign, Leicester faced various challenges on and off the field and relied heavily on their talismanic player.
However, the season ended in relegation for Leicester, and while Maddison’s reputation remained relatively unscathed, he faced mental and physical strain. As the team depended heavily on him, Maddison’s performances suffered during a period of nine consecutive losses, and he visibly displayed frustration towards his teammates.
During this challenging period, a tweet from Maddison in response to a journalist’s criticism gained attention, showcasing the pressure he felt as a leader. The mental toll affected his performances, including a crucial mistake that led to a goal and a missed penalty, ultimately contributing to Leicester’s relegation.
Therefore, Maddison’s move to Tottenham provides an opportunity for a fresh start. He will join a squad where he won’t be the main focal point, allowing him to focus on supporting his teammates and improving his own performance. The tactical system employed by Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, is expected to suit Maddison’s style of play.
Moreover, Maddison’s defensive contributions and work rate align with Postecoglou’s pressing style. Playing as a number eight, Maddison has added defensive aspects to his game. He will likely occupy the half-space in Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 system, where he can create chances, score goals, and contribute defensively.
In terms of value, Tottenham secures Maddison at a reasonable price compared to the inflated prices typically associated with English