Leicester intensify contract talks with Maddison says credible source

After back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, the feel-good factor is finally back for Leicester City. To make things even better, there are now reports of the club opening contract talks with star man James Maddison. FoL brings you the lowdown of what has been reported so far.

Contract latest for Leicester City’s James Maddison

It is no secret that this summer is of critical importance when it comes to Leicester City’s contract situation. Out of all the uncertain futures, James Maddison’s is potentially the greatest conundrum. Therefore, LCFC are taking pre-emptive steps to resolve the uncertainty around the England star’s future. According to reliable Telegraph journalist John Percy, City have begun “intensifying contract talks” with Maddison whose current contract expires in 2024.

With Youri Tielemans likely to leave for free after rejecting contract talks for two years, LCFC will be desperate to avoid another star player leaving for nothing. Whilst, it will be difficult to persuade a player of Maddison’s ambition to remain there are certain things that could be offered to sweeten the deal.

Firstly, a bumper contract that makes him the club’s highest earner would help reflect his status as Leicester’s talisman, although it would have to be within a sensible wage structure. Secondly, the captaincy is seemingly up-for-grabs with the main candidates on the peripheries of the squad. ‘Madders’ already got a taste of the armband against Spurs on Saturday, and clearly, the responsibility appeared to be something he thrived under and enjoyed.

Whether or not Maddison agrees to sign a new contract, it is near-certain that other clubs will come sniffing around in the summer, especially with his consistently excellent output on the football pitch. Already, Newcastle United had two bids turned down last summer and with the Geordies likely to qualify for Europe, it is likely they will come knocking again. When adding in clubs to the mix such as Spurs and to a lesser extent, Manchester City; persuading Madders to stay seems like a daunting task.

What becomes clear is that Leicester City must sell James Maddison if he rejects a new contract. Even with a year on his deal, the Englishman would still command a fee of £40-50 million, which would help fund a rebuild, not possible if he were able to run his contract down. However, fans desperately hope Maddison will sign a new agreement, which perhaps includes a sizeable release clause in order to safeguard his value. This may mean a sale still happens this summer, but it will give the Foxes critical bargaining power. Even if LCFC end up selling Maddison this summer, which is likely, few will be able to argue that he has not deserved his chance to take that next step up.