Why James Maddison must be next as Micky van de Ven agrees new Tottenham contract
James Maddison has to be the next Tottenham star to sign a contract extension.
The 29-year-old missed the majority of last season through injury, featuring just three times in the Premier League.
He failed to notch a single goal or assist in those games, but his off-field impact did not go under the radar while he was sidelined.
However, he is an important player in the side going forward, and will certainly play a crucial role in the 2026-27 season.
Roberto De Zerbi has made sure to try to tie down his key stars in North London, and the seven-cap international has to be next after Micky van de Ven.
His current deal runs out in 2028, meaning he could depart for a relatively cheap fee next summer.
What is the latest on Micky van de Ven's new contract?
Spurs are understood to have reached an agreement over fresh terms with Van de Ven.
The defender was previously under contract until 2029, but he has a verbal agreement on a new deal.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Friday that it is a long-term contract with a salary increase.
The same can't be said for Maddison, though, given his situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Why Maddison simply has to be the next Spurs star to be handed new deal
The concerns over his recovery may leave some wondering why he deserves a new deal.
He has not featured yet in pre-season, leaving doubts over whether he will be involved at the start of the season.
However, his numbers from the previous campaign provide a compelling case, as he scored nine goals and assisted seven in 31 league matches.
The former Leicester City star was attracting interest from Manchester City last summer, so it is imperative to get him signed up incase the Etihad Stadium side or another team come back in.
Maddison is expected to be named as Tottenham's new captain, so it makes little sense to let his contract expire.
He will surely be their next priority, especially if he is about to be handed the armband for the new season.