The James Maddison to Newcastle United transfer saga has had so many twists and turns that you would think it was a Formula 1 race. And like a Formula 1 race, it is starting to get a bit boring.
Newcastle have been linked with signing Maddison since last summer, but it had felt like 2023 was the perfect time to do a deal.
The Magpies have never been more appealing, with Champions League football due to take place at St James’ Park next season. As for Maddison, he needs a move away as he enters the final year of his Leicester City contract.
If he stays, he will play in the Championship and leave for free next summer – and that is exactly what the player and club do not want to happen.
It has felt like a perfect storm, but then there is the added complication of interest from Tottenham. And a new report from the Guardian says that it is Ange Postecoglu’s side who are now leading the race to sign Maddison.
Newcastle cool James Maddison interest
According to the Guardian, Tottenham are the frontrunners to sign Maddison this summer. They state that Newcastle’s interest in the 26-year-old has cooled, and that there is now serious doubt over whether the Magpies will even make a bid.
That is quite the u-turn, as Maddison was once our primary target. And it was easy to understand why. He is an ‘exceptional‘ footballer, and has something that Newcastle’s current midfielders don’t have. He can carve open defences, and is a consistent provider of goals and assists.
The Guardian add that while Spurs are now favourites, it could be a while before they make a fresh bid for the England international, having already had one rejected.
This could all be gamesmanship from Newcastle. Obviously Leicester want a bidding war so they get as much money as possible, but now the Magpies are turning their attentions elsewhere – for now.
Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Maddison and wants him to be part of his squad, so it would be a real surprise if Newcastle suddenly just ended their interest – unless the club have something else up their sleeve.
What is more likely is that this transfer saga still has plenty of more twists and turns to go.
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