Dream Maddison upgrade: Spurs make £68m “superstar” their top target
Tottenham Hotspur’s Season: A Tale of Two Campaigns
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of strange. In many ways, it was a campaign defined by stark contrasts—while the club made history in European competition, lifting the Europa League trophy for the very first time, their Premier League campaign was a disaster by nearly every metric.
Supporters will understandably cherish the club’s continental success. Winning a major European trophy is a landmark moment for any team, and in Spurs’ case, it’s a significant step forward under Ange Postecoglou. Yet, beneath the celebratory surface, serious issues remain that the club’s decision-makers—especially chairman Daniel Levy—cannot afford to overlook.
Injuries undoubtedly played a role in the team’s underwhelming domestic form, but that alone doesn’t explain the extent of their struggles. From inconsistent performances to tactical disarray, the Premier League season exposed deep flaws that demand attention. As the dust settles, it’s clear that decisive action will be needed this summer to avoid a repeat of such a turbulent campaign.
Transfer Market Offers a Chance at Redemption
One of the most effective ways to spark a turnaround is through smart recruitment, and encouragingly, Spurs appear to be setting their sights high. According to recent transfer rumors, the club is actively pursuing players who could significantly elevate the squad’s quality. Among the names being floated, one stands out as a particularly exciting prospect: Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
While the potential arrival of a player of Eze’s caliber would undoubtedly be a statement of ambition, it could also have implications for current squad members—particularly James Maddison. The former Leicester City midfielder has been a key figure for Tottenham, but Eze’s arrival could see him pushed down the pecking order, especially given the similarities in their roles on the pitch.
Tottenham’s Transfer Targets: High Profile and High Potential
Spurs’ poor showing in the Premier League has sparked a flurry of transfer speculation, with a range of high-profile players linked to North London. Among the more intriguing names are Dutch star Xavi Simons and former Manchester United academy graduate Angel Gomes.
Simons, currently at RB Leipzig, could reportedly be available for around £65 million—a substantial fee, but one that seems reasonable given his production this season: 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 games for a struggling Bundesliga side. His technical skill, creativity, and versatility would make him a valuable asset.
Gomes, meanwhile, could represent a cost-effective addition. The midfielder’s contract with Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille is set to expire this summer, meaning he could be acquired on a free transfer. While talented and experienced, Gomes is unlikely to displace Maddison in the starting XI and is better viewed as squad depth.
That’s not the case with Eze. According to a report from Football Transfers, Tottenham have placed the Crystal Palace playmaker at the top of their summer wishlist. The 26-year-old has long been admired for his dazzling dribbling, flair, and attacking intelligence—and his consistent form in the Premier League has now made him one of the most coveted English talents on the market.
Reports suggest Eze’s current contract includes a release clause of around £68 million, making this a potentially expensive and complex deal to complete. Nonetheless, for a player of his quality and impact, the investment could prove to be an astute one.
Eze vs. Maddison: Who Comes Out on Top?
If Tottenham do succeed in landing Eze, a key question will be how he fits into the existing lineup—and more specifically, how his presence would affect James Maddison. Both players are primarily attacking midfielders and are best utilized in central creative roles, although Eze has also shown effectiveness operating from the left flank.
From a purely statistical perspective, Eze had the more productive season in 2024/25. In 43 appearances for Crystal Palace, he registered 14 goals and 11 assists—an average of one goal involvement every 1.72 games. Maddison, in comparison, tallied 12 goals and 11 assists across 45 games for Spurs, translating to a goal involvement every 1.95 games.
Beyond the numbers, Eze’s playing style is more dynamic. He offers explosive dribbling, a keen eye for through balls, and a knack for opening up tight defenses with individual brilliance. While Maddison brings a more structured, calculated approach, his form has occasionally dipped in high-stakes matches—a criticism Eze has largely avoided this year.
Looking Ahead: Spurs’ Summer of Opportunity
Tottenham’s upcoming transfer window will be crucial in shaping the club’s future trajectory. With Europa League success providing a much-needed morale boost, the time is now for Levy and the recruitment team to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
Adding a player like Eberechi Eze would be a major coup, even if it complicates the picture for players like Maddison. Competition for places is healthy and essential at any top club, and should Spurs secure their top target, it could signal the start of a much-needed new chapter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Only time will tell how this summer unfolds—but the intent to pursue genuine star quality is a promising sign that Spurs are ready to raise the bar.