Danny Murphy believes James Maddison would be a ‘really good signing’ for Newcastle United with the playmaker’s future at Premier League strugglers Leicester City uncertain, speaking to talkSPORT (28 September, 11.20am).
How the tables have turned. Quite literally, in this case.
Not so long ago, Newcastle were glancing nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone, protests on the streets of Tyneside at Mike Ashley’s despair-inducing ownership. Leicester, meanwhile, were dreaming of Champions League qualification.
And while Brendan Rodgers’ side would fall short, the fact is that there was an almighty chasm separating Leicester from Newcastle at the time. You could argue there still is. Albeit, with the Foxes and the Magpies swapping roles.
Would James Maddison be tempted to leave Leicester City for Newcastle United?
“Well you’d look at the table at the moment and say it is,” Murphy says when asked whether Newcastle would represent a step up from Leicester for Maddison.
“I think you’d be starting to think that way, with the way Newcastle are going and the funds they’ve got. Ultimately, the contract offer would do the talking; that tells you how ambitious they are, if they are going to double his wage.
“It would be a fresh challenge for him.”
Maddison has been a rare bright spark in a dismal start to 2022/23 for Leicester. With one point and 25 goals conceded, no team in Premier League history has ever began a new campaign quite this badly.
According to The Times, a now-Saudi-backed Newcastle will look to test Maddison’s loyalty in the New Year. The former Norwich City schemer is valued in the region of £60 million. Newcastle reportedly offered an up-front fee of £45 million in August (Guardian).
“He’s a terrific player. He gives (Newcastle) something they haven’t got. He’s one of the most creative players in the Premier League,” Murphy adds.
“He makes things happen, he’s courageous on the ball. He’s got a great eye for a pass. I like Maddison because he plays free. He never hides away, he’s happy making mistakes to try and make things happen.
“He’d be a really good signing.”
Maddison mustered a combined tally of 30 goals and assists throughout 2021/22.
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