Tottenham's Transfer Targets: Replacing James Maddison
Get the latest news on Tottenham's transfer targets and potential signings to replace James Maddison.
Tottenham Hotspur is facing a significant challenge with James Maddison's ACL injury, which could keep him sidelined for around nine months. Here are some potential replacements:
Top Contenders:
Nico Paz: A 20-year-old Como midfielder with a Real Madrid background, valued at €70 million. Tottenham has reportedly bid €40 million for Paz, but the offer was rejected.
Eberechi Eze: A creative attacking midfielder with impressive skills, currently at Crystal Palace.
Harvey Elliott: A 21-year-old winger/attacking midfielder looking for regular minutes, currently at Liverpool, valued around £45 million.
Other Options:
- Maghnes Akliouche: A 23-year-old Monaco playmaker with bright prospects.
- Bilal El Khannouss: A Leicester City talent who has emerged as a target for Tottenham.
- Pape Matar Sarr: A Senegal international who has impressed in pre-season for Spurs and could slot into Maddison's role.
- Mohammed Kudus: A summer signing who might operate in the No.10 role due to Dejan Kulusevski's injury.
Tottenham's James Maddison played only nine minutes in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle before suffering a concerning knee injury. He was stretchered off the pitch in visible agony, prompting fears of a serious setback. Thomas Frank, the Spurs head coach, described the incident as “brutal” especially given the timing in a World Cup year. Maddison has been plagued by injuries since joining Tottenham, and this latest setback could keep him sidelined for an extended period.
We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2025
We will be supporting you every step of the way, Madders 🤍
Maddison's injury woes date back to the latter stages of last season when he missed the final six games of the campaign. He made a brief return in a pre-season win over Arsenal but lasted only nine minutes against Newcastle. The injury is believed to be a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, which would require surgery and rule him out for most of the 2025/26 season.
Plan B for James Maddison's Replacement
Tottenham Hotspur needs to devise a contingency plan for James Maddison's potential long-term absence due to his ACL injury. Given the midfielder's significant role in the team, finding a suitable replacement is crucial to prevent history from repeating itself, especially after last season's injury-plagued campaign that saw Spurs slide down the Premier League table.
The club must act swiftly to find a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes, ensuring they're prepared for the upcoming fixtures, including the match against Burnley.
Tottenham Hotspur might rely on Pape Matar Sarr to fill the void left by James Maddison's potential long-term absence. Sarr has shown versatility in pre-season, playing a more pivotal forward role and even scoring a stunning long-range goal against Arsenal. According to Chris Waddle, Sarr could be the solution to Spurs' midfield needs.
Sarr's Strengths:
- Versatility: Sarr can play in various midfield roles, showcasing his adaptability and value to the team.
- Defensive Contributions: He excels in winning duels, tackling, and breaking up opposition plays, providing stability in midfield.
- Attacking Prowess: Sarr has demonstrated his ability to drive forward with the ball, create chances, and score crucial goals.
Under Ange Postecoglou's guidance, Sarr has developed significantly, earning praise for his performances. With 54 appearances and six goals last season, he's proven himself as a valuable asset. While Maddison brings creativity, Sarr's work rate, tactical awareness, and ability to control the game's rhythm make him an attractive option for Spurs.
“Pape Matar Sarr has had a great preseason with his energy levels and I could see him playing behind the striker," he said in a recent interview.
“He’s scoring goals at the minute, he’s confident, he’s got great energy, he can run off the ball very, very well and he’s quite intelligent at that.
“I’m not saying Sarr’s got the ability of Maddison, but he’s a very willing runner. You need somebody with legs who can get around a bit and that’s going to be interesting.”
James McAtee: The Top Candidate to Replace James Maddison
Tottenham Hotspur is eyeing England U21 captain James McAtee as the standout candidate to replace James Maddison. McAtee, a 22-year-old Manchester City midfielder, possesses natural ability ideal for filling the void left by Maddison. Although he's reportedly close to joining Nottingham Forest, the deal isn't finalized, leaving room for Spurs to swoop in.
🚨🌳 EXCLUSIVE: Nottingham Forest are closing in on James McAtee deal with Manchester City!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2025
Agreement at the final stages for fee in excess of £20m, #NFFC confident to get it done… here we go, expected soon. pic.twitter.com/f2IaMqPHJF
Why McAtee?
Dribbling skills: McAtee boasts excellent dribbling abilities, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities.
Vision: He can play accurate through balls, unlocking defenses and providing creativity in the attacking third.
Late runs: McAtee's intelligence in making late runs into the box could make him a reliable long-term replacement for Maddison.
Transfer Speculations
- £40 million price tag: Manchester City is expected to let McAtee go for £40 million, considering his contractual situation and the club's desire to reduce squad size.
- Competition from Forest: Nottingham Forest had a £25 million bid rejected by City, but Spurs are now accelerating their pursuit.
- Other interested clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt are also scouting McAtee.
James McAtee played 15 Premier League games for Manchester City last season, starting only three, and accumulated 342 total minutes. Despite limited playing time, he scored three goals. McAtee also impressed in an FA Cup tie against Salford, scoring three goals and earning praise from Pep Guardiola.
James McAtee: A Potential Bargain for Tottenham
James McAtee's abilities make him an attractive signing for Tottenham Hotspur. He excels in finding space and executing precise passes, showcasing his vision and skill on the field. With consistent game time, McAtee could stake a claim for a spot in England's senior World Cup squad.
Transfer Details
- Asking Price: £40 million, potentially a bargain considering his youth and peak years ahead
- Potential Replacement: For James Maddison, who suffered a season-long ACL injury
- Other Interests: Manchester United and Leeds United have also shown interest in McAtee
McAtee's Profile
- Age: 22 years old
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Market Value: €20 million
- Strengths: Vision, passing ability, and finding space on the field
Tottenham needs to act quickly to secure McAtee's services, as delaying might limit their options, especially with Jack Grealish potentially joining Everton. With a successful transfer, McAtee could become a long-term star for Spurs
Harvey Elliott played 18 games for Liverpool last season, starting only two and accumulating 360 total minutes. During this time, he scored two goals and provided one assist. Although his output may not be impressive, Elliott's energy on the field is notable, and he has a massive point to prove.
🚨 Harvey Elliott on his future: “It's about what's best for my career”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2025
“It's about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I'm here at the moment and I'm focusing on the final game”. pic.twitter.com/vahlfwHGN5
Elliott's Profile:
- Age: 20 years old
- Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
- Market Value: €60 million
- Strengths: Energy, creativity, and technical skills
Elliott's experience and abilities make him a potential consideration for Tottenham Hotspur as a replacement for James Maddison.
Mikkel Damsgaard: A Valuable Asset for Tottenham
Thomas Frank knows Mikkel Damsgaard's abilities well, having worked with him at Brentford. Damsgaard, a 25-year-old midfielder, has been instrumental in the team's success, providing 12 assists and scoring three goals in the 2024/2025 season. His passing accuracy is impressive, with a completion rate of 78%.
Key Stats:
Assists: 12 this season, showcasing his creativity and vision
Goals: Three goals this season, with potential for improvement in the right team
Passing Accuracy: 78% completion rate, highlighting his reliability in possession
Games Played: 38 games in the top flight last season, demonstrating his experience and durability
Damsgaard's skills make him an attractive option for Tottenham Hotspur as a replacement for James Maddison. With his experience and talent, he could seamlessly integrate into the team and provide a similar level of creativity and vision.
Negotiations for Mikkel Damsgaard could be challenging, as Brentford has already sold key players like Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard, and Mark Flekken. Thomas Frank is familiar with Damsgaard's abilities, but securing his services might require significant effort and compromise.
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