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 throughout 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 similar knee the 28-year-old injured on the again finish of final season, resulting in Thomas Frank claiming he thinks it might be a severe damage.
Ought to the worst be confirmed, it might be a prolonged lay-off for the England worldwide, as soon as once more disrupting his progress throughout his spell in North London.
Because of this, it might be a shock to nobody that the hierarchy are subsequently concentrating on added reinforcements in the course of the park in an space that was already being topic to funding this summer time.
The newest 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 line 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 might be open to the potential 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 right Maddison substitute
When he’s been match, Maddison has usually been the go-to option to function in a extra attacking position inside Spurs’ midfield – which normally operates in a three-man system.
The Englishman registered 12 objectives 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 document 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 might now be on the again burner in the meanwhile.
The hierarchy are evidently planning a transfer for Gallagher, which might permit for a change in form inside the three-man midfield, which might utilise new signing Joao Palhinha in his deep-lying position within the entrance of the backline.
The Portuguese worldwide would be capable to function on the base of the aspect with two central midfielders forward of him, which might embrace 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 element 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 unimaginable underlying stats inside his 32 league appearances.
He achieved an 85% go completion charge, while finishing 2.6 passes into the ultimate third per 90, having the inventive potential regardless of his deep-lying midfield position.
Conor Gallagher’s stats for Atlético Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
Video games performed | 32 |
Targets & assists | 6 |
Move 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 through 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 right box-to-box choice in his quest for achievement.
At 25, Gallagher is coming into the prime years of his skilled profession, probably making his £43m switch payment a wonderful piece of enterprise for the Lilywhites hierarchy throughout this window.
While he’s not a direct substitute for Maddison, he might assist a wanted transition happen on the coronary heart of the aspect, which might provide a brand new dimension for the brand new boss forward of 2025/26.
