Contact made: Spurs chasing “monster” £40m Maddison replacement, he’s Gibbs-White 2.0 – opinion
Tottenham Dealt Major Blow as James Maddison Ruled Out for Majority of Season – Spurs Eye Jacob Ramsey as Potential Replacement
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a significant setback just weeks before the start of the new Premier League season, with key midfielder James Maddison set to be sidelined for most of the 2025/26 campaign. The creative heartbeat of Thomas Frank’s midfield was stretchered off during a pre-season clash against Newcastle United last weekend, and fans feared the worst.
Sadly, those fears have now been confirmed. The England international, who has been instrumental since joining Spurs, has suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. After undergoing scans and consultations with specialists, it’s been determined that Maddison will require surgery—ruling him out of action for up to nine months. That timeline means the 28-year-old will miss a large chunk of the season, leaving a gaping hole in Frank’s midfield plans.
Spurs Quickly Shift Focus to the Transfer Market
Thomas Frank, who was already reportedly exploring options to bolster his creative options this summer, is now expected to push even harder for reinforcements. With the injury to Maddison reshaping the club’s priorities, the Spurs hierarchy have wasted little time and are actively working to bring in a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes.
A number of potential targets have already been identified, with Spurs casting a wide net across the Premier League. According to reports, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has emerged as one high-profile name of interest. Spurs are believed to have initiated contact over a possible loan move for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to secure a consistent starting role under Pep Guardiola. However, their pursuit of the £100m-rated playmaker may already be in jeopardy, as Everton have made a strong approach of their own in recent days, complicating the North London club’s hopes of landing him.
Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey Emerges as Key Target
With Grealish potentially out of reach, Tottenham have now turned their attention to Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly available for transfer this summer, and Spurs have already made contact with Villa regarding a potential deal.
According to CaughtOffside, Spurs are not alone in the race. West Ham United are also showing strong interest in Ramsey, with Villa valuing their academy graduate at around £40 million. Ramsey made 29 Premier League appearances last season and continues to develop into one of England’s most exciting young midfielders. His technical ability, combined with his physical presence and eye for a pass, make him an ideal candidate to step into Maddison’s shoes.
Why Jacob Ramsey Could Be the Perfect Maddison Replacement
Tottenham fans will remember the recent failed pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White—a saga that dominated headlines earlier in the summer. Spurs had triggered a reported £60m release clause in the player’s contract and were on the verge of sealing the deal, with Gibbs-White even expected to undergo a medical in North London. However, the deal dramatically collapsed after Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis claimed the approach was illegal, insisting that the player had not been given permission to negotiate with Spurs. The fallout ultimately led to Gibbs-White signing a new three-year deal to remain at the City Ground.
In light of that disappointment, Ramsey’s potential arrival could help soften the blow. Many see the Villa midfielder as a player with a similar profile to Gibbs-White—if not more promising in certain areas. In fact, when comparing their underlying statistics from last season, Ramsey comes out on top in key creative metrics.
Ramsey, who has been described as a “monster” by analysts for his energy and power in midfield, completed more passes and made more progressive deliveries into the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes than his Forest counterpart. He also recorded a higher rate of successful take-ons and carried the ball into dangerous zones more frequently, underlining his value as a forward-thinking midfielder who can unlock defences.
A Smart Signing That Could Prove to Be a Bargain
At just 24 years old, and valued at £40 million—significantly less than the price tag attached to Gibbs-White—Ramsey represents a potentially shrewd piece of business for Tottenham. Not only is he a year younger, but he arguably offers more upside in the long term. His development under Unai Emery at Villa has been impressive, but a move to Spurs would provide the platform to take his game to another level, surrounded by more elite-level talent.
Though Ramsey might not have been the first name on Spurs fans’ wish lists heading into the summer window, the numbers and performances suggest he could quickly become a fan favourite—especially if he is able to replicate or exceed Maddison’s creative influence during the midfielder’s lengthy recovery.
With the club expected to act swiftly in the coming days, Ramsey’s name could become central to Spurs’ transfer narrative, as Frank looks to reshape his midfield and ensure the team remains competitive without their star playmaker.