Tottenham could sign £40m star Harry Kane called ‘fantastic’ after James Maddison injury blow – opinion
James Maddison Injury Sends Shockwaves Through Tottenham as Spurs Consider Grealish Swoop
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a significant setback in their pre-season preparations after England international James Maddison was forced to leave the pitch on crutches during a friendly match against Newcastle United. The incident occurred in Seoul, South Korea, where both Premier League clubs clashed as part of their pre-season tour.
Maddison began the game on the bench but was introduced in the second half as a substitute for youngster Archie Gray. Unfortunately for Spurs, the midfielder’s return to action was short-lived. Just over ten minutes after stepping onto the field, Maddison collapsed in visible pain, clutching the same knee that troubled him during the previous campaign. His agony on the turf painted a worrying picture, and the sight of him exiting on crutches left fans and teammates alike concerned about the extent of the damage.
Following the match, Spurs manager Thomas Frank provided an early update on Maddison’s condition, and while awaiting full medical results, the initial outlook appears bleak. The injury could rule Maddison out of the opening weeks of the new Premier League season — a major blow given his importance to the team’s attacking structure.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Tottenham, especially considering their failed pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer. The Nottingham Forest star was reportedly close to a move to North London, with a deal even reaching the stage of a scheduled medical. However, Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened at the last moment, securing the player’s commitment to a new long-term contract. That failure has left Spurs particularly vulnerable in the attacking midfield, or number 10, position — a problem now exacerbated by Maddison’s injury.
With limited creative options and the new season fast approaching, Tottenham may now be forced to revisit their transfer plans. One name that has quickly resurfaced is Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
Grealish on Tottenham’s Radar as Eze Option Fades
Earlier in the summer, Spurs had shown strong interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. But with Arsenal reportedly leading the chase for his signature, Tottenham’s hopes of signing the dynamic midfielder have all but faded. With Eze likely off the table, attention has now turned toward Grealish — a player who, according to multiple reports, could be available either on loan or for a cut-price fee.
Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been mixed. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola last season. Now, with City open to offloading him — potentially for as little as £40 million, a significant reduction from the £100 million they paid Aston Villa in 2021 — Tottenham could view the England international as a low-risk, high-reward addition to fill the creative void left by Maddison.
Kane’s Endorsement Still Resonates
Former Tottenham talisman Harry Kane once had high praise for Grealish, comments that may hold new relevance now. Speaking during the 2021 European Championships, Kane said of Grealish:
> “I love Jack, just love Jack as a player. Fantastic. From when he came in and I started training with Jack, we just had a real connection. He sees the game a lot how I see it — in terms of how he passes, how he moves, always looking forward, always rapping balls in, trusting your teammate to have the touch and be able to handle it. He’s a real player and one who’s going to be very special for the future.”
Those words might echo in the minds of Spurs decision-makers as they weigh up whether to bring the former Villa captain to North London.
Is Grealish the Right Fit for Thomas Frank’s Vision?
Despite the potential upside, not everyone at Tottenham is convinced that Grealish fits the profile Thomas Frank is seeking. TBR Football’s Spurs correspondent Jamie Brown expressed doubt about whether Grealish aligns with Frank’s high-energy, pressing philosophy.
“When Tottenham targeted Morgan Gibbs-White, it was clear that Frank wanted a number ten who could not only unlock defences but also contribute aggressively off the ball,” said Brown. “There’s a legitimate concern that Grealish might not provide the same work rate or intensity required in this system.”
Brown also questioned whether Grealish can recapture the electric form he displayed at Aston Villa, especially after another underwhelming season at City, where he managed just three goals and five assists across all competitions.
“While he’s undeniably talented, there are doubts over whether Grealish is the kind of player Thomas Frank would truly enjoy building a team around,” Brown added.
Tottenham at a Crossroads
With James Maddison’s availability uncertain and their midfield options narrowing, Tottenham face a crucial decision in the coming weeks. Whether they move for Grealish — either on loan or in a cut-price deal — could depend not just on Maddison’s recovery, but also on Frank’s willingness to adapt his tactical preferences.
The next few days could be defining for Tottenham’s ambitions this season. Will they take a calculated gamble on Jack Grealish? Or will they search elsewhere for the creative spark they so desperately need?