Levy return for Eze, German star an option – Who Tottenham could now sign amid Maddison latest
James Maddison picked up an injury described as “brutal” during the closing stages of Tottenham’s draw against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Last season ended in disaster for the midfielder when he was ruled out of the Europa League final with a knee injury, and the 28-year-old has been gradually making his return in pre-season.
But shortly after coming on against the Magpies, Maddison was stretchered off, with Thomas Frank saying the Englishman had suffered “what looks like a bad injury” in a moment described as “brutal” by the Dane.
Here, Tottenham News suggests three players Spurs could target in light of the midfielder’s injury.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace
Spurs had looked to be interested in a move for Eberechi Eze earlier in the window, but North London rivals Arsenal have looked more likely to sign the England international in the weeks since.
But the Gunners are still yet to present Crystal Palace with an official bid, with the Eagles previously unwilling to negotiate beneath the 27-year-old’s £68million release clause.
| Eberechi Eze | All competitions (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 11 |
That clause has now reportedly expired, leaving Spurs with an opportunity to sneak ahead in the race for Eze.
Oihan Sancet – Athletic Club
Oihan Sancet enjoyed a superb season for Athletic Club, scoring 15 goals in just 29 La Liga games from attacking midfield.
The 25-year-old is a brilliant finisher, often utilising stunning technique to find the corner from any angle in and outside the box.
Sancet holds a £70m release clause at Athletic, with the Spanish side’s willingness to negotiate beneath it not yet clear.
But Spurs clearly are not short of cash, having been happy to meet Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest before the midfielder signed a new contract.
Paul Nebel – Mainz
Paul Nebel is not a name yet widely known. The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the Germany national team, but did impress at the Under-21 Euros.
And the 22-year-old was a star for Mainz last season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists as the Bundesliga side completed an unlikely push for European football.
Nebel has been on the books at Mainz since 2016, and the German club would be unlikely to stand in the midfielder’s way should Spurs present a fair fee.
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