Maddison will be targeted in January by this EPL club and likely others

According to reports, Leicester City’s James Maddison will be targeted in January by Newcastle United and likely other clubs, as well. Here are Foxes of Leicester’s thoughts.

Maddison is the King Power club’s most creative and effective player. I don’t think there is anyone out there who could realistically dispute that opinion – and facts certainly back the sentiment. Maybe England manager Gareth Southgate is the only person who would try to disagree. But let’s not waste time on the undervaluing Three Lions gaffer.

As Maddison is a type of Most Valued Player at LCFC, or an MVP, certainly from Leicester fans’ perspective and via output, he must be protected as the primary asset. During the 2020/21 campaign, ‘Madders’ supplied an impressive eight goals and five assists in only 31 Premier League matches. The following term, he produced 12 finishes and made eight chances which were finished by teammates. So far in 2022/23, he is leading the way on Filbert Way with four goal involvements, which illustrates an irreplaceable nature.

Unfortunately the playmaker’s contract expires in 2024, so there may be more concerted efforts to prise him away more keenly than what developed, or didn’t occur, with regard to fellow talented midfielder Youri Tielemans. The Foxes would be advised to explore immediately selling Tielemans in January for any price; it is evident that the Belgian won’t re-sign with the east Midlands side.

Sadly for the Blue Army, Newcastle might well return with a more realistic offer for the Englishman than they made in the summer. A reported £50million bid was launched from the Magpies for the Fox, yet Leicester rejected that and previous advances.

Despite their recently obtained wealth, the Geordie’s have been prudent and pragmatic in their acquisitions. They believe Maddison’s purported £60m valuation shall reduce in the New Year because his LCFC deal will then have a mere 18 months remaining. Therefore a bargain is to be had. In reality, with a longer agreement, Maddison should be valued north of £80m, as I see it.

The wisest plan for the Foxes hierarchy right now, would be to offer Maddison the most lucrative contract in the club’s history, before more potential suitors spring up. Make no mistake, this lad is a special footballer.