Manchester City have reportedly tabled a €65 million offer to sign Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, with Pep Guardiola identifying the England international as a key piece in the club’s midfield rebuild.
Maddison on City’s radar as De Bruyne successor
With Kevin De Bruyne expected to depart the Etihad at the end of the season, City are already working on securing a creative midfielder capable of filling the void. According to Fichajes, Maddison is now at the top of their shortlist — and a formal bid has already been submitted.
The Tottenham midfielder, who joined from Leicester City last summer in a £40m deal, has delivered a strong debut campaign despite Spurs’ overall inconsistency. Across all competitions, Maddison has contributed 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances — a level of end product that has not gone unnoticed.
Why Maddison fits Guardiola’s vision
Maddison’s profile aligns with what City are looking for in the post-De Bruyne era. Technically gifted, positionally intelligent, and effective between the lines, he offers creativity in central areas and thrives in tight spaces — key attributes for any midfielder in Guardiola’s system.
While primarily used as a number ten, Maddison has shown comfort dropping deeper to influence build-up play. His range of passing, vision in transition, and ability to find runners in behind would give City another layer of control in high-pressure matches.
City see him as a ready-made contributor who can adapt to multiple midfield roles, especially in a squad that values fluidity and tactical rotation.
Spurs face a difficult decision
For Tottenham, the situation presents a serious test of strategy and resolve. Maddison is viewed internally as a core part of Ange Postecoglou’s attacking system and a key figure in the club’s rebuild.
However, a €65 million bid from a title rival is substantial — especially with Spurs needing reinforcements in several areas. Selling to Manchester City would come with immediate competitive risk but could also fund multiple squad upgrades.
Much will depend on how Daniel Levy and the club hierarchy view the timing and value of the offer — as well as Maddison’s own preferences regarding a potential move.
Conclusion
James Maddison to Manchester City would be one of the most high-profile intra-league transfers of the summer — and a clear signal of how Guardiola intends to evolve his midfield.
With De Bruyne’s era nearing its end, City are acting early. Now the ball is in Tottenham’s court.
