Why Leicester boss refused to answer Maddison transfer question

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers claimed James Maddison is happy with the Foxes, but refused to answer a question over availability.

This will perhaps sound peculiar, but the more, errrm, passionate element of Arsenal fans have been buoyed over the possible Maddison transfer subsequent to Leicester boss Rodgers actually stating that the player is content on Filbert Way. How ironic.

Yet, if you study the Northern Irishman’s response and a non-reply to the followup inquiry along with the initial answer, the situation is slightly strange.

In essence, ITV News Central reporter Mark Kielesz-Levine first wanted to know if any bids had emerged from the Gunners for the Foxes No.10. To be fair to Rodgers, he gave a revealing and candid reply to that: Jon Rudkin, Leicester’s Director of Football, has not informed the gaffer of any offer. And if there had been contact, the former Liverpool manager would have been told.

However, when Kielesz-Levine queried Rodgers further with regard to Maddison‘s availability or whether there is a ‘not for sale’ status, the boss refused to confirm or deny. You can see and hear that fairly awkward retort via the above Sky Sports News tweet.

Why Leicester City boss took this stance

Why the Foxes chief took this approach is simple, in my opinion: he said Harry Maguire was not for sale and the club didn’t need or want to sell. Though over consecutive summers the centre-back, along with Ben Chilwell who was given a similar appraisal, did depart. Now Rodgers doesn’t want to be contradicted again or look foolish.

I believe the Northern Irishman is an astute fellow, certainly the right coach for Leicester, though he may have had better guidance or indications from the club on what to divulge in these instances. Or, preferably, not giving an answer to any transfer inquiries would suffice.

By refusing to state Maddison is priceless, unavailable or whatever term you wish to apply, it does open the door for continuous speculation. Though it also seems that the door is not locked for Maddison: in other words, LCFC may sell if a good enough offer comes in. Just as they did in the past with other crucial players. It is feasible that Maddison will be a Fox in the upcoming campaign, but perhaps only due to Arsenal’s budget.