James Maddison: Potential destinations for Leicester star
James Maddison was always poised to depart Leicester this summer and the club's relegation has rendered his exit inevitable.
It was nothing short of a disastrous campaign for the Foxes, but Maddison stood out as a shining light. The England international notched 19 Premier League goal contributions in 30 appearances, but there was little he could do to aid his side's defensive woes which ultimately condemned the miracle workers of 2015/16 to the drop.
Maddison will have his fair share of suitors this summer with Leicester likely to sell at a discounted price following their demise. Here are four teams that could come in for the playmaker.
1. Tottenham
Tottenham's interest in Maddison dates back to his Coventry days, but surprise, surprise, they've long failed to seize the initiative.
Spurs have perpetually been linked with a move for the playmaker, but Leicester's previously strong position gave them plenty of leverage in negotiations and Daniel Levy was never going to stump up the cash to acquire the Englishman.
Now, however, the situation has changed and Leicester could sell their creative talisman for an affordable £40m this summer. Incoming boss Ange Postecoglou has already approved a pursuit for Maddison.
The Lilywhites are crying out for a midfielder of Maddison's profile.
2. Newcastle
Midfield was certainly a position of strength for the Magpies in 2022/23, but their progression into the Champions League means they require much more depth.
Eddie Howe isn't afraid to convert more forward-thinking players into hard-working eights - as he's done with Joe Willock and Joelinton - and the Newcastle boss could oversee a similar transformation with Maddison.
The Leicester midfielder is destined to excel when the lights shine brightest, and the allure of Champions League football will undoubtedly be hard for Maddison to ignore should the Magpies come in for him this summer.
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3. Arsenal
Granit Xhaka's impending departure leaves a gaping hole in Arsenal's midfield. While the club want to add a more defensive-minded figure who could potentially usurp Thomas Partey, they now require a midfielder who's adept in a more advanced role.
Xhaka excelled from the left half-space in 2022/23 and Maddison should undoubtedly be considered by the Gunners as a potential option. He's a number ten by trade, but the positions Xhaka found himself in this season mean Maddison will essentially operate as a between-the-lines playmaker should he make the move to the Emirates.
Arsenal had registered an interest in Mason Mount before he agreed personal terms with Man Utd. They want a player of Maddison's profile.
4. Liverpool
Tottenham and Newcastle are the two sides creditied with boasting the strongest interest in the Leicester man, but Liverpool could be a team to watch out for.
The Reds' midfield rebuild has begun with the addition of Alexis Mac Allister, and they could continue along the Premier League proven theme by acquiring Maddison.
While Mac Allister is tailor-made to performing as one of Jurgen Klopp's eights, some might question whether Maddison is a suitable option given the demands of the role. It's unlike a Mikel Arteta eight; arguably requiring greater defensive discipline with more emphasis placed on protecting against the counter-attack and ball circulation as opposed to chance creation.
Klopp, however, has shown some tactical flexibility in recent times and occasionally adopted a 4-2-3-1 which makes room for a ten of Maddison's ilk.
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