Tottenham agrees to pay £40m to sign Man City player who could replace James Maddison, Not Grealish
Tottenham Hotspur have endured a turbulent start to the summer, with two major setbacks altering the club’s plans for the upcoming season. First came the emotional departure of long-serving captain and talisman Son Heung-min, who sealed a high-profile move to MLS side Los Angeles FC. Just as fans were processing the loss of one of the club’s greatest-ever players, the news broke that James Maddison had suffered a serious ACL injury — an issue that will rule him out for the majority of the new campaign.
While Spurs have already moved to strengthen the squad in key areas, questions remain over whether the current roster has enough creativity and cutting edge to compete on multiple fronts. The club secured the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich after an impressive half-season loan spell, while Mohammed Kudus joined from London rivals West Ham United in what was billed as a marquee addition. Both arrivals are exciting in their own right, but with Son gone and Maddison sidelined, Thomas Frank now faces an urgent challenge: finding a new focal point in the final third.
Reputable journalist Alasdair Gold has reported that Frank is prepared to explore in-house solutions to compensate for Son’s departure, but Maddison’s injury has intensified the search for a creative midfielder. Tottenham were already in the market for a new No.10 before this setback, having previously targeted Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White — a move that ultimately fell through. Now, the need is no longer just a priority; it’s a necessity.
One player who has quickly moved to the top of Tottenham’s shortlist is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. The 22-year-old, once regarded as one of the Premier League’s brightest young prospects, has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at the Etihad. With City bringing in high-profile talents like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this summer, Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly open to selling McAtee for the right price.
McAtee is coming off an impressive summer with England’s Under-21s, helping the Young Lions secure a second consecutive European Championship title. While his time at City has been limited, he gained valuable Premier League experience last season on loan at Sheffield United. Despite the Blades’ relegation, McAtee emerged as arguably their standout performer, catching the eye with his exceptional technical ability, intelligent movement, and vision in the attacking third.
According to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are now ready to match City’s £40 million valuation for the Salford-born midfielder. Sources close to the player suggest that McAtee is waiting for Spurs to formalise their interest, aware that he could play a pivotal role under Frank in North London.
At just 22 years old, McAtee still has significant room for growth and development. While he may not be a like-for-like replacement for Maddison, his versatility and creative instincts could make him an ideal long-term successor. In today’s market, £40m for a player of his profile, potential, and Premier League experience could represent outstanding value.
With the clock ticking before the start of the new season — and with creativity in dangerously short supply — Tottenham may have little choice but to move decisively. A deal for McAtee would not only address a pressing short-term need but also provide the club with a young, homegrown playmaker capable of shaping their attacking play for years to come.