JUST IN: ‘Unbelievable’ player now wants to join Tottenham after James Maddison’s injury, he’s waiting for a bid
Tottenham Suffer Major Setback as Maddison Injury Accelerates Transfer Plans for McAtee
Tottenham Hotspur’s preparations for the 2025/26 season have taken a major hit just days before competitive action gets underway.
Last season was a turbulent one for Spurs, who were hampered by a relentless injury list throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Under Ange Postecoglou, the club struggled for consistency in the Premier League, with key players spending significant time on the sidelines. Supporters and chairman Daniel Levy alike had been hoping for a fresh start this year following the appointment of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
However, those hopes have been dealt a crushing blow with confirmation that star playmaker James Maddison has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training. The England international, who was expected to be a pivotal figure in Frank’s system, will now face several months on the sidelines.
Maddison’s absence leaves Tottenham without their most creative outlet and significantly weakens their midfield options. Even before the injury, strengthening the attacking midfield position was seen as a priority. Now, that need has become urgent.
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Attention Turns to James McAtee
While the injury news is grim, there is a glimmer of hope for Spurs fans. One of the club’s prime transfer targets, Manchester City’s James McAtee, is reportedly eager to make the move to North London.
Tottenham were strongly linked with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer and were believed to be closing in on a deal. However, Forest blocked the transfer and secured the player’s future with a new contract, forcing Spurs to explore other avenues.
According to TBR Football, McAtee was one of four names on Tottenham’s shortlist after the Gibbs-White pursuit collapsed. Sources now claim that Spurs have accelerated their efforts to sign the 22-year-old in light of Maddison’s injury.
GiveMeSport reports that McAtee is “very keen” to join Tottenham and is currently waiting for the club to submit a formal bid. Manchester City are understood to be holding out for a £40 million fee, a valuation Tottenham are reportedly willing to meet. Whether a deal can be concluded before Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday remains to be seen.
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Pep Guardiola’s Verdict on McAtee
Despite limited first-team opportunities at Manchester City—amassing just over 1,000 minutes of senior football—McAtee has impressed manager Pep Guardiola with his performances and potential.
Earlier this year, McAtee made headlines by netting a hat-trick in an FA Cup tie against Salford City. Speaking after the match, Guardiola was full of praise for the young midfielder, calling him a “special, talented player” with an “incredible sense of goal” when operating in advanced positions.
“He’s an exceptional guy with a special talent,” Guardiola told Manchester City’s official website. “When he plays close to the opposition, he has a great sense of goal. His work ethic is unbelievable, and he is aggressive.”
With Maddison out for the foreseeable future and McAtee open to a transfer, Tottenham now face a decisive few weeks in the transfer market. The pressure is on Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy to act quickly and ensure Thomas Frank’s squad has the creative firepower needed to compete at the highest level.