Tottenham to sell James Maddison 'soon' amid concerning 'pattern' - Insider

Tottenham Hotspur are set to be forced into considering the prospect of selling midfielder James Maddison amid another injury issue.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the 29-year-old is locked in a concerning “pattern” of injuries.

This comes after the news that the former England international suffered a fracture to his shoulder in his team’s opening-day defeat to Brentford, and potentially faces up to two weeks on the sidelines.

While Maddison’s latest issue is not expected to be serious, Wyness believes Spurs are now at the stage where they must seriously consider how to handle his long-term future. 

The former Leicester City man missed almost the entirety of last season with an ACL injury, and has completed 90 minutes in the Premier League on just five occasions since joining Spurs back in 2023.

There are no doubts surrounding Maddison’s ability when he is fully fit, but Wyness believes that his injury problems are simply becoming far too frequent.

James Maddison’s valuation in trouble

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Maddison’s string of injuries will have had a major impact on his valuation.

The Lilywhites shelled out a fee of £40million to land the attacking midfielder, and he is now into the final two years of his contract in North London.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained Tottenham’s options when it comes to Maddison’s future.

“I think you've got to consider it all right now. I've been a fan of Maddison's. I like the way he plays. I like him as a personality,” he said.

“But there's no doubt this is becoming a pattern in terms of injury. And at his age now, Spurs are going to have to decide: do they try and salvage some value out of him right now or not?

“Or do they just get the best use out of him that they can? But I'd expect them to do the first and look to move him on soon because that pattern is emerging.

“Now obviously that pattern will be reflected in his valuation as well. He's had problems in terms of long-term injuries, and here he is again injured straight away, so I would be saying right now they'll be looking at what to do with him and I don't think they're looking at the long-term situation at Spurs.”

Aston Villa clear admirers of Maddison

Former Aston Villa and Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this summer that Villa are clear admirers of Maddison.

The Villans were eyeing up a move for him earlier in the window, but ultimately opted to sign Johan Manzambi to strengthen in attacking midfield. 

However, Unai Emery’s side remain long-term admirers of Maddison, and Brown believes that Spurs could be receptive to a sale within the next 12 months.

The ex-recruitment boss made it clear that the capital club will not force Maddison out of the door, but would consider a sale if the right offer came in.