Forget Eberechi Eze, Tottenham should bring back £30m forward who Pochettino called ‘unbelievable’

As Tottenham Hotspur look to bolster their attacking options this summer, much of the speculation has centered around Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. However, Spurs might find better value by turning their attention to a familiar face—Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.

The 23-year-old winger, who came through Tottenham’s academy before leaving in 2018, has blossomed into an exciting Premier League talent and could represent a smarter investment than Eze, both financially and tactically.

Madueke’s journey since departing Spurs has been anything but conventional. Rather than taking the traditional route through English football, he ventured to the Netherlands, joining PSV Eindhoven’s youth setup.

His development in the Eredivisie was rapid, and his performances caught the eye of Chelsea, who secured his signature for £30 million in 2024. Though his initial adaptation to Stamford Bridge was slow, Madueke flourished under Enzo Maresca last season, showcasing the explosive dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal that once made him a standout in Tottenham’s academy.

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who knows a thing or two about nurturing young talent, was particularly impressed, labeling Madueke as “unbelievable.”

That kind of endorsement should carry weight at Spurs, especially given Pochettino’s legendary status in North London. Now, with reports suggesting Chelsea are open to selling the winger, Tottenham have a golden opportunity to bring him back—at a fraction of the cost it would take to land Eze.

The Financial Advantage

Eze, coming off a career-best season with 14 goals and 11 assists, undoubtedly offers quality. But his £60 million release clause makes him a significant outlay for a club that may also need to reinforce other areas of the squad.

Madueke, by contrast, could be available for considerably less, with Chelsea reportedly willing to listen to offers. Given his age, room for further growth, and prior connection to Spurs, he presents a far more economical option—one that would also help the club meet homegrown player requirements, as he qualifies as club-trained.

Statistical Comparison

While Eze’s numbers last season were superior (25 goal involvements compared to Madueke’s 16), context is crucial. Eze was Palace’s undisputed talisman, whereas Madueke had to fight for minutes in a crowded Chelsea attack.

Despite this, the former Spurs youngster still managed 11 goals and five assists across all competitions—a respectable return for a player still refining his game. More importantly, Madueke’s underlying metrics—dribbles completed, progressive carries, and shot-creating actions—suggest he has the raw tools to thrive in Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane system.

Beyond the financial and tactical benefits, there’s something undeniably compelling about a prodigal talent returning to where it all began.

Madueke knows the club, understands its culture, and could reignite his career under a manager like Postecoglou, who has a proven track record of developing young, dynamic attackers.

For a player still seeking consistency at the highest level, the chance to become a key figure at Tottenham—rather than just another expensive signing—could be the catalyst he needs to fulfill his potential.

A Pragmatic Alternative to Eze

This isn’t to say Eze wouldn’t be an excellent signing—he absolutely would. But in a summer where Spurs must spend wisely, Madueke offers similar upside at a fraction of the cost.

With Chelsea seemingly ready to do business, Tottenham should act decisively to bring back a player who could become a cornerstone of their attack for years to come.

If Postecoglou stays—as expected—his preference for rapid, direct wingers makes Madueke an ideal fit. And if Spurs do opt for a managerial change, any incoming coach would inherit a young, hungry, and technically gifted forward with room to grow.

Either way, re-signing Madueke isn’t just a sentimental move—it’s a shrewd one.

While Eze may dominate headlines, the smarter play for Tottenham lies in reuniting with a player who already has Spurs in his DNA. At the right price, Madueke could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.