(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 27 April 2026 18:58, UK

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Coventry City are plotting a move to bring James Maddison back to the CBS Arena if he is allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The 29-year-old has missed the entire season with a cruciate ligament injury, having recently returned to the bench for games against Brighton and Wolves.

Despite his involvement, though, the exact timeframe for his return to playing remains unclear and is not currently expected to happen before the end of the season.

However, former Coventry assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that a return to the CBS Arena could be on the cards if he is ready to return for pre-season.

Maddison has made no secret of his support for the Sky Blues since leaving the club in 2016, but could now make a return as Tottenham prepare for major exits.

Could James Maddison return to Coventry City?

Football Insider revealed on 20 April that Coventry are planning a big transfer window as they aim to back Frank Lampard ahead of their return to the Premier League.

There is a belief that the squad will need major upgrades if they are to replicate the success of Sunderland and Leeds United and avoid relegation.

Re-signing Maddison would be a significant statement of intent for the Sky Blues if he is allowed to leave Spurs ahead of what is set to be a busy transfer window.

“James Maddison to Coventry City has got legs,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He’s made no secret about the fact he’s a fan of the club, he came through the ranks there, so it’s a deal that could pull at his heart strings.

“First thing’s first, he has to get his fitness back and that will be his priority.

“Once he does that, then a decision can be made about his future. If Tottenham go down, he might not be interested in playing in the Championship.

“Coventry could take that opportunity to bring him back to the Premier League, I think they’re more likely to take that gamble than anybody else would be.

“It’s going to be a concern for a few clubs, he has to prove his fitness and that he can stay playing at the top level, because it can take a while to recover.

“But Coventry would be able to give him the time and be patient with him, and it’s an environment where he would feel comfortable.

“So, like I say, he will have to prove he can get over the knee problem but if he can be ready for pre-season, a move to Coventry would make a lot of sense.”

Are other clubs interested in signing Maddison?

Maddison is among a number of Tottenham players being linked with a move ahead of the summer window, but the focus is currently set on his recovery.

Last month, the attacking midfielder posted an update via his social media in which he detailed the recovery process, including some footage of on-pitch work.

Ahead of that update, Brown told Football Insider that Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Maddison and could make a move if he is on course to recover.

Similar to Coventry’s plans, Villa could explore a move if he becomes available, but will need him to prove his fitness before they made a firm decision over a deal.

There is also a chance the midfielder will decide to stay at Tottenham to continue his recovery and comeback regardless of whether they are relegated.