Perez names one thing that almost tempted James Maddison to Newcastle

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Former Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez has suggested the club nearly signed James Maddison this summer.

Newcastle United were certainly interested in securing the services of James Maddison in the recent summer transfer window. At one point, according to Sky Sports, the Magpies even led Tottenham Hotspur in the race for his signature. 

However, it was ultimately the north London outfit that would prise Maddison away from Leicester City in a deal worth £40 million.

Maddison has since enjoyed a fine start to life at Spurs. The 26-year-old has featured four times in the Premier League for Ange Postecoglou’s side so far this season, registering two goals and two assists.

The 4-cap England international would have been a brilliant signing for Newcastle, and Eddie Howe may well come to regret not having pushed further the bring the attacking midfielder to St James’ Park.

Newcastle stadium a lure for Maddison

According to ex-Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, who was also once a teammate of Maddison’s at Leicester, the Spurs man was drawn to St James’ Park itself.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Perez detailed Maddison’s fondness for the stadium, saying, “he always mentioned it was a great ground to play at.” The Spaniard added, “he always liked it. It was an option for him to sign at some point for Newcastle. It was one of his favourites. Definitely.”

Perez knows as well as anyone how special it is to represent the Tyneside club in front of its own fans. The Spanish attacker spent five seasons with the club, making almost 200 appearances. He said of the Newcastle home ground, “it’s one of the best in the Prem. You can smell football there with the atmosphere and everything around the stadium is great.”

St James’ Park is certainly a ground capable of generating an incredible atmosphere. Howe will need the fans to get behind the team and drive them on at times this season. He will also be expecting the stadium to be a raucous place for European opposition to come when Newcastle compete in the Champions League this season.

As for Maddison, having not joined the club this summer, his next chance to experience the thrill of playing at St James’ Park will come when Spurs visit for a Premier League clash in April.