In a recent report, The Athletic stated that Newcastle United could identify Leicester City star James Maddison as a target. It is understood that the Magpies are eyeing a move to secure the services of the English playmaker.
Maddison’s Impressive Numbers At Leicester City This Season
Maddison is having a bright campaign at the King Power Stadium despite his team’s struggles to be consistent on the field. The English talent has found the back of the net on nine occasions and earned five assists in 21 appearances for the Foxes this season across all competitions.
The 26-year-old deserves a lot of credit for averaging 3.0 shots, 2.4 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession in the opposition half, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 81.5% in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Maddison is under contract at the East Midlands club is set to run out in the summer of 2024. Therefore, Newcastle could potentially recruit him on the cheap if they decide to move in for him in the upcoming transfer window.
Is Maddison A Decent Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?
Maddison can shoot the ball with venom and accuracy from long range and can engineer a few inviting chances for his teammates in the final third. He can also make some driving runs with the ball in the opponent’s half and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. The Coventry-born sensation is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a left-winger if told to do so.
Maddison is good enough to earn a regular starting spot at St. James’ Park if Eddie Howe can devise a way to get him on board this summer. He will no doubt enhance the quality of Newcastle‘s first XI by adding more goals and creativity to their attack. The English playmaker has already proven his worth in the Premier League and won’t take any time to settle into life at Tyneside.
At 26, Maddison is about to enter his prime and would be an excellent option for the Magpies to consider at the end of this campaign. He will give Howe more options in attack and could help the Tyneside outfit challenge for a top-four finish once again over the next few years.
