Tottenham and Newcastle target James Maddison has admitted that the 2022 summer transfer window slamming shut was a ‘sigh of relief’ for Leicester City.
Brendan Rodgers’ side only secured the transfer of one senior player, with key players such as Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana heading for the exit door.
On top of that, the likes of Maddison were also being linked away, with rumours that Newcastle and Spurs are still keen on the goalscoring midfielder.
Well, on Saturday, he showcased why there is so much noise for him when he scored a quite brilliant first-time finish as Leicester suffered a 6-2 defeat at Spurs.
Even with Maddison staying, Youri Tielemans also not being sold, despite less than 12 months remaining on his contract, it has left a bitter taste in the mouth of those at the King Power.
That’s why they sit bottom of the Premier League table with only one point, as Maddison expressed how he is a ‘big player’ for the team and people like him need to try and produce that ‘magical’ moment, as he told Sky Sports.
On whether he’s pleased the transfer window is shut: “After it shuts, I think there is a bit of a sigh of relief, especially some of the staff at football clubs,” said Maddison.
“I think it definitely can be (a chance for others to shine given not many players joined). In tough times, you need your big players and your top players to grab the team. And stick the team on your back, at times.
“Sometimes you need a magical moment from a player. One magical moment, a goal outside of the box into the top corner, which can just kick your season.
“As a big player in this team, that’s my responsibility. That’s why I will keep trying to score and assist, as much as I can. But it has to come from everywhere.”
MADDISON DESERVES EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Gareth Southgate might not see the light with Maddison, as he continues to ignore selecting the midfielder for England.
But that doesn’t hide the outstanding form the 25-year-old has been in for the Foxes, since the previous campaign.
Maddison already has three goals and an assist to his name, despite Leicester sitting bottom, that’s after his 12 goals and eight assists during the previous campaign.
There’s no doubt that the England hopeful is worthy of playing European football right now, or come January, Newcastle can’t provide that but Antonio Conte’s Tottenham certainly can.
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