Credit: Imago

Mark Smith

Sun 31 May 2026 7:30, UK

James Maddison has been the face of Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks.

After returning from injury in the final weeks of the season, the England international was forced into cameo appearances off the bench to try and help.

Roberto De Zerbi admitted that it was more of a role to boost morale within the squad for Maddison, who had returned from that nasty ACL injury.

Thankfully, he played his role well, and Spurs survived Premier League relegation on the final day.

That has led to more promises from the Lewis family and those in the boardroom to make sure this never happens again, starting with increased transfer backing.

Tottenham haven’t started that yet, but Maddison is certainly keeping his eye on the headlines.

Anthony Gordon joins Barcelona

Possibly the strangest deal of the window already, Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle ahead of the World Cup.

Richarlison has already reacted to the news of his ex-teammate, but Maddison and his international teammates were also on the scene.

Dominic Solanke was also impressed, as he sent his congratulations to Gordon.

Writing on Gordon’s Instagram post after the move was made official, Maddison took his chance to wish his international teammate all the best.

How did James Maddison do on his return?

Stepping back onto the pitch in that 1-1 draw with Leeds, Spurs fans were delighted to see their playmaker return after more than a year out.

He was immediately into the thick of it, with many still believing that Maddison deserved a penalty for a late tackle by Lukas Nmecha, something the PGMOL still disagree with.

Despite only completing 50 minutes of Premier League action, Maddison kick-started the hope among fans, who are already looking forward to watching him again next season.

Gordon sealing a move to Barcelona will also only act as motivation to the likes of Maddison and Solanke, who haven’t had the best personal years with injury.

Now, all eyes are on next season for the playmaker, although it will feel like a lifetime to go until the Premier League is back, with the World Cup now only weeks away.