Tottenham Hotspur will look to find a replacement for midfielder James Maddison after he suffered a ruptured ACL in pre-season
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Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a deal for a new attacking midfielder after James Maddison’s devastating injury blow.
The Spurs midfielder requires surgery after rupturing his ACL in a pre-season clash with Newcastle United in South Korea and is expected to be sidelined for the majority of the campaign. It is a tough blow for Tottenham but one that feels particularly cruel on Maddison less than 12 months out from the FIFA World Cup in Canada, United States and Mexico.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a replacement for Maddison is something Spurs are now on the market for as they look to have enough squad depth to challenge in the Premier League and Champions League.
Spurs lost 4-0 to Bayern Munich on Thursday and have work to do to catch up with the European elite. They finished 17th in the Premier League last season and significant improvement is expected after Ange Postecoglou was sacked, despite winning the Europa League.
Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder search
Writing in his Give Me Sport newsletter, Romano was asked whether Spurs would sign a replacement for Maddison and said: "Yes, it's likely. They are calling around to explore the market."
Spurs had looked to be getting a deal done for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White after activating a £60m release clause in his contract. However, Forest threatened legal action as they claimed the price of the clause had been leaked when it was supposed to remain a secret. Gibbs-White has since signed a new deal at the City Ground.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has been linked while other reports have claimed a bid has already been submitted and rejected for Como star Nico Paz. Spurs offered £35m for the player but Como will not start discussions below £52m, as they value the player at around £60m.
Spurs get their competitive campaign underway against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday before opening their Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday, August 16.
Thomas Frank reflects on James Maddison injury
Addressing Maddison’s injury, Spurs boss Thomas Frank said: “I think it’s disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he’s out of the team.
“We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football.”
And looking ahead to Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final, Frank said: “We will 100 per cent be ready for that game, I’m not in doubt about that.
“There are six days ahead, we have a normal week for the first time in the last two weeks so with everything – just getting down, less travel, energise them (the players), three or four good sessions – then we will be ready against PSG.”
Spurs have also been linked with a move for Eberechi Eze this summer but the Crystal Palace man has also been the subject of interest from Arsenal. It is not clear how much a deal for the player will cost as his £68m release clause has now expired.