James Maddison’s damage in Tottenham Hotspur’s most up-to-date pre-season pleasant will undoubtedly present trigger for concern, with the England worldwide struggling one more setback.
He entered a problem in the course of the conflict towards Newcastle United, earlier than hobbling and finally requiring therapy earlier than being stretchered off the sphere.
It’s thought that it’s the identical knee the 28-year-old injured on the again finish of final season, resulting in Thomas Frank claiming he thinks it could also be a critical damage.
Ought to the worst be confirmed, it could be a prolonged lay-off for the England worldwide, as soon as once more disrupting his progress throughout his spell in North London.
In consequence, it could be a shock to nobody that the hierarchy are subsequently focusing on added reinforcements in the course of the park in an space that was already being topic to funding this summer time.
The most recent on Spurs’ hunt for brand spanking new additions this summer time
An attacking midfielder has been firmly on Spurs’ radar over current weeks, as seen by their makes an attempt to land Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this window.
The likes of Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Jack Grealish have all been focused since, however no offers have but been agreed for any of the English abilities this window.
Nevertheless, strikes have been made to land one other expertise this summer time, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher as soon as once more of their sights this summer time, in accordance with one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that the Lilywhites are getting ready a €50m (£43m) bid for the 25-year-old, who solely moved to the LaLiga giants from Chelsea throughout final summer time’s window.
It additionally states that he could possibly be open to the opportunity of a return to the Premier League, along with his present employers open to negotiations over a transfer to dump the central midfielder.
Why Spurs’ newest goal could be the proper Maddison substitute
When he’s been match, Maddison has typically been the go-to option to function in a extra attacking function inside Spurs’ midfield – which often operates in a three-man system.
The Englishman registered 12 targets and 10 assists throughout all competitions final season, serving to the membership win the Europa League, ending their 17-year watch for any type of silverware.
Nevertheless, his damage file has massively plagued his spell in North London, struggling three separate accidents throughout his two-year spell on the membership after his £40m transfer from Leicester Metropolis in 2023.
Their ambitions of touchdown different attacking midfielders earlier than his newest setback are comprehensible, however they may now be on the again burner in the interim.
The hierarchy are evidently planning a transfer for Gallagher, which may enable for a change in form throughout the three-man midfield, which may utilise new signing Joao Palhinha in his deep-lying function within the entrance of the backline.
The Portuguese worldwide would have the ability to function on the base of the aspect with two central midfielders forward of him, which may embody the Atlético star ought to he make the transfer.
He has all of the instruments to be an ideal box-to-box choice, probably being a key part in Frank’s system, which calls for actual high quality in the course of the park.
Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, starred in LaLiga final season, producing some unbelievable underlying stats inside his 32 league appearances.
He achieved an 85% move completion price, while finishing 2.6 passes into the ultimate third per 90, having the artistic capacity regardless of his deep-lying midfield function.
|
Conor Gallagher’s stats for Atlético Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Video games performed |
32 |
|
Targets & assists |
6 |
|
Go accuracy |
85% |
|
Progressive passes |
3.5 |
|
Passes into ultimate third |
2.6 |
|
Tackles made |
2.5 |
|
Blocks made |
1.3 |
|
Interceptions made |
1.2 |
|
Take-ons accomplished |
41% |
|
Stats by way of FBref |
|
The previous Chelsea star additionally thrived out of possession, making 2.5 tackles per 90, together with 1.2 interceptions made, providing the Dane the proper box-to-box choice in his quest for achievement.
At 25, Gallagher is getting into the prime years of his skilled profession, probably making his £43m switch charge a superb piece of enterprise for the Lilywhites hierarchy throughout this window.
While he’s not a direct substitute for Maddison, he may assist a wanted transition happen on the coronary heart of the aspect, which may supply a brand new dimension for the brand new boss forward of 2025/26.
