An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of James Maddison in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has claimed that the Magpies are hoping to reach an agreement with their Premier League rivals over a swoop for the attacking midfielder.
The reporter Tweeted: “Second NUFC offer for James Maddison has now been submitted, although some differences on reported value. Sources insist it has not gone as high as £45m. Structured nature often complicates figures. But as reported earlier, there is hope of reaching a compromise with Leicester.”
That offer is now set to be rejected and Hope followed up with: “My feeling on James Maddison is that a deal of around £50m (guaranteed, not clauses) would see Leicester sell. But Newcastle unlikely to do that because of FFP restrictions & their valuation of player. I would also be wary of other clubs coming in now a market has been set. #nufc”
Big upgrade on Joe Willock
PIF must now pay the £50m required, or do whatever they need to do to reach an agreement for a smaller fee if they are unwilling to budge on their valuation, as Eddie Howe would then have a huge upgrade on Joe Willock in the middle of the park.
The Magpies’ number 28 joined the club from Arsenal on a permanent deal in the summer of 2021 and endured a difficult campaign in the Premier League.
Willock played 29 matches – starting 24 – and averaged an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.71. He scored two goals and failed to create a single ‘big chance’ for his teammates, whilst also losing 52% of his individual duels in the division.
These statistics suggest that he struggled to make a big impact on the pitch at either end of the pitch, whilst also failing to maintain a high level in his performances over the course of the campaign.
Maddison, meanwhile, enjoyed a stellar year in the top-flight for Leicester. The gem, who can play in central midfield or out wide, averaged a sensational SofaScore rating of 7.32 across 35 appearances – starting 28 times.
He chipped in with an eye-catching 12 goals and eight assists for the Foxes, creating 11 ‘big chances’ for his teammates, whilst also winning 55% of his individual battles.
These statistics suggest that he offers far more than Willock going forward and is stronger off the ball, along with performing to a much higher level week-in-week-out in the top flight, which means that he could play the number eight role more effectively than the former Gunner.
Therefore, Maddison would be a big upgrade on his fellow countryman and that is why Newcastle must push the boat out to snap him up for £50m in the coming weeks.
