According to a recent report by the Manchester Evening News, Premier League giants Manchester United are said to be eyeing up a move for Leicester City star James Maddison and are said to see him as their prime transfer target for the future. Although Leicester City are claimed to be unlikely to sell their man in January, that hasn’t stopped United from pursuing the player.
Despite all this though, Maddison’s representatives are said to be confident that United won’t make a bid in January, and said that it would surprise them if they did. On the contrary, the report suggests that United are attempting to use former Leicester City man Harry Maguire to try and sway the Englishman’s mind. The English contingent at Old Trafford is said to have played a big part in bringing the big defender to Manchester.
What Would Leicester City Be Missing If Maddison Leaves?
The youngster recently turned 23 but shows excellent maturity and decision making while on the pitch. His preferred position is the number ten role operating just in behind the main striker. But as we’ve seen from Maddison’s season so far at Leicester, he’s more than capable of playing anywhere across the front-line. The former Norwich City star has unquestionably been the Foxes’ best creative source this term, and his partnership with Jamie Vardy has done wonders for the Midlands club.
Not only is he a great passer of the ball, but the youngster is also adept at bringing teammates into the game with his general movement in the final third. The Englishman tends to make extremely smart runs into space attracting defenders, thereby making room for players like Jamie Vardy and Ayoze Perez to run into.
Quick link-up play could become a concern for Brendan Rodgers if the attacker were to leave, because as good as Youri Tielemans is, he doesn’t quite match up to Maddison’s level.
Why Leicester City Cannot Afford To Sell Maddison In January?
Saying that the Foxes have had a dream start to the season would be an understatement. Currently in 2nd place and still a point ahead of Manchester City going into the new year, the Midlands club have undoubtedly been punching well above their weight. James Maddison has undoubtedly been a massive factor throughout the whole season so far, and losing him could come as a gutting blow.
Brendan Rodgers will be confident of securing European football next season. Still, with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham now seemingly back on track to a certain extent, it will surely get difficult for the Foxes in the latter stages. Champions League football will be the target at the King Power Stadium, and if they’re able to hold onto all their key players at least until the end of the season, there’s no reason why they couldn’t achieve it.
