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(Credit:Imago)
Jack Heath
Sun 3 August 2025 19:11, UK
Tottenham are in a dire situation after the devastating blow to midfield maestro James Maddison has forced them back into the market.
In what was meant to be a celebratory affair for the departing Son Heung-Min as he played his final game, Spurs have been plunged into a desperate dilemma.
After a 2-month hiatus due to injury, the pinnacle of the Lilywhites’ creativity came back during the club’s pre-season tour.
Yet, in his second game against Newcastle, the Englishman came on for a measly 12 minutes, only for Maddison to come off injured again with “hands over his face”.
Losing the number 10 is agonising for Thomas Frank as he scrambles to find an alternative to replace his midfield magician who could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
This is a major blow for the north London side given the absence of fellow critical creator Dejan Kulusevski, leaving a gaping hole in the centre-attacking midfielder role.
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The expected absence of the ex-Leicester man will push Spurs back into the transfer market, pursuing a necessary addition to take up his role.
Morgan Gibbs-White is one option the Lilywhites would love to bring in after his stellar season for Nottingham Forest last year.
However, after Dr Dan Plumley exclusively told Football Insider on 25 July that Forest are expected to refuse to do business with Tottenham for Gibbs-White, this appears to be a ship that has sailed.
Another explosive alternative is Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze who has been linked with both Arsenal and Spurs all summer long.
Eze has been pursued by the Lilywhites this summer (Credit: Hasan Karin, Breaking Media)
Sources exclusively informed Football Insider on 14 May that Tottenham opened preliminary talks with Eze, which thus far have amounted to nothing.
But, in the wake of the Maddison update, the north London side must up their offer to bring in the talented attacker as he would be a like-for-like replacement for their number 10.
The cheapest prospect of all is Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who the champions will want to get rid of to fund their hunt for Alexander Isak.
Former Man United scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider on 15 July that both Tottenham and Newcastle are in the hunt for Elliott’s signature.
The 22-year-old delivered on the European stage this summer for the England Under-21s and is not happy with his game time at the Reds.
Given Gibbs-White signed a a new three-year deal to stay with the Garibaldi, suggesting he may assume a new role as captain, there is no point trying to land the Englishman.
Turning to the other two candidates, Frank must consider whether he wants to invest in the ready-made Eze or take a chance on the more inexperienced Elliott.
The Palace man exudes a talismanic touch similar of Maddison which allows him to spin players with ease on top of his set-piece deliveries.
Eberechi EzeHarvey ElliottAppearances4328Minutes played3299867Goals145Assists123Eze v Elliott across all competitions 2024-25 (Source: Sofascore)
The 27-year-old has a reported release clause of up to £68million (Sky Sports), which, in this current market, is a bargain for a player of his game-winning quality.
Euro U-21s champion Elliott offers a cut-price route to a younger player who has heaps of potential despite his limited minutes.
Liverpool are reportedly holding out for £40m for the number 19, as Football Insider learnt from sources on 2 July.
Due to the severity of the Maddison injury, speed is of the essence and the Reds’ willingness to part with the ex-Fulham wonderkid provides an easier avenue to secure a deal.
The Eagle will be far harder to acquire given he is imperative to a Palace side whose numbers are dwindling ahead of the new season.
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