Michael Dawson thinks Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will secure the transfer of Leicester City’s ‘game-changer’ James Maddison in 2023.
The former Premier League defender doesn’t think Brendan Rodgers will lose Maddison during the January transfer window, but he feels the 26-year-old will leave during the summer window and it’s going to be a ‘massive loss’ for those in the Midlands.
Leicester have a big call to make because Maddison’s current contract runs until 2024, at this moment in time, they can get top dollar for him.
But if they let that contract run down, then just like Youri Tielemans, they will lose a player at the top of his game for nothing.
It’s one thing trying to accept losing a key player from your dressing room, but at least try and get as much money as you can for him, which might happen with Maddison.
Either way, when presenter Jeff Stelling spoke about Maddison’s future and when he will leave, Dawson told Soccer Special on Sky Sports that he will stay on board for now, before Newcastle will prove to be the ‘right fit’ for him.
“I mention James Maddison, we always mention James Maddison, of course,” said Stelling. “But Brendan Rodgers says he is going nowhere. As a manager, you would say that, wouldn’t you?!
“But we know they have financial issues. They have been a selling club in the past. Maguire, Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, and even Kasper Schmeichel recently. Do you think Maddison will be a Leicester City player come the end of this transfer window?”
Dawson responded: “Yes, I do. Will he be a Leicester City player next season? I am not too sure. I think Brendan Rodgers will want to keep him. What he does and everything he does is positive. He makes the right decision more often than the wrong decision. He creates chances.
“You talk about de Bruyne. I am not putting him in the same bracket. But he is their man – he is that good. I am surprised we didn’t see him (getting minutes) for England (at the World Cup) because he is a game-changer. I think he is magnificent.
“If Leicester lose him, it’s a massive loss. I think eventually he will move on and Leicester fans won’t want to hear that. Brendan Rodgers won’t want to hear that. But he didn’t sign a new contract. Newcastle, I can see that being the right fit.”
IF NEWCASTLE SECURE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL…
At this moment in time, nothing much is stopping this Newcastle train and they are on course to securing Champions League football at the end of the season.
If they get over that line, then who says they will want to sign Maddison in the summer?
The reason is, Eddie Howe can then fish in the bigger pond for players because the Magpies will be playing against the elite and it will require them having to sign elite players.
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