Journalist Sam Lee said on the Athletic’s ‘Why Always Us’ podcast that he was told that Man City presented a loan offer with an option to buy for James Maddison on deadline day, which was rejected by Leicester City.
Interestingly, on Tuesday, it was reported by the Daily Mail that City were exploring an offer to sign the England international in the summer, once described by the club’s ex-assistant manager Juanma Lillo as ‘daring’ and ‘authentic’.
A primary reason behind the club’s interest in the 26-year-old, who has been linked with a switch to Newcastle recently as well by journalist Rudy Galetti was due to Pep Guardiola’s desire for a player sitting in behind Erling Haaland, who could contribute with goals.
Man City tried to sign James Maddison on loan on deadline day
However, it seems Man City were interested enough in James Maddison to bring him as a deadline day arrival on loan, with an option to buy, which was turned down by Leicester.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table and getting rid of the enigmatic creator in January would have virtually confirmed their status as relegation fodder.
The Athletic’s reliable journalist, Sam Lee was told that Man City tried to sign James Maddison on loan on deadline day, saying, “I got an iMessage on my computer and it says, ‘[Man] City would’ve got [James] Maddison in today [deadline day] if they could, loan with option to buy was presented to Leicester. Response was no.’”
Leicester must be resigned to losing the Englishman in the summer
The harsh truth for the Foxes is that when elite clubs like the Premier League champions come calling for their best players, all they can do in most cases is try to secure the best fee possible and let them go.
While Leicester showed commendable restraint by not letting James Maddison join Man City on loan as soon as on deadline day, it is unlikely that they will be able to keep the £60 million-rated ace (via GiveMeSport) in the summer, especially considering he is in the final year of his contract.
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