Report: Man City launch £55m bid for Tottenham playmaker as club prepare for Kevin De Bruyne departure
Manchester City have reportedly made their move for Tottenham playmaker James Maddison, submitting a £55 million offer that could reshape both clubs’ midfield dynamics ahead of next season.
The Premier League champions view the England international as the ideal candidate to help fill the impending void left by Kevin De Bruyne, whose Etihad departure appears increasingly certain after nearly a decade of service.
Maddison’s potential switch comes at a pivotal moment in his Tottenham career. Since arriving from Leicester last summer for £40 million, the creative midfielder has established himself as Ange Postecoglou’s chief architect, contributing 16 goals and 21 assists across 75 appearances in all competitions.
His current campaign has been particularly productive, with 12 goals and 11 assists – including crucial contributions in Tottenham’s Europa League semifinal charge.
The timing of City’s approach raises intriguing questions. Maddison recently suffered a knee injury during Tottenham’s 3-1 first-leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, with Postecoglou admitting the situation “doesn’t look promising” after scans revealed concerning results.
This setback casts uncertainty over his availability for the remainder of Spurs’ European campaign, though it hasn’t deterred Pep Guardiola’s pursuit of the 28-year-old.
For Tottenham, the decision represents a classic Daniel Levy dilemma. While Maddison remains integral to Postecoglou’s system, the proposed £55 million fee – representing a £15 million profit on their initial investment – could fund significant squad reinforcements.
The North London club face balancing short-term stability against long-term squad building, particularly with Champions League qualification potentially hinging on their Europa League success.
Maddison’s potential fit at City warrants examination. Technically gifted with exceptional vision and set-piece delivery, he shares many of De Bruyne’s creative attributes while offering greater durability than the injury-plagued Belgian in recent seasons.
His Premier League pedigree – 55 goals and 39 assists in 203 Leicester appearances before joining Spurs – suggests he could adapt seamlessly to Guardiola’s possession-dominant philosophy.
The move could also revitalize Maddison’s international prospects. Despite his consistent club form, the playmaker has earned just seven England caps and was notably omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad as Three Lions manager.
Regular minutes under Guardiola at the Etihad would provide an undeniable platform to stake his claim for the 2026 World Cup squad.
City’s interest signals their proactive approach to rebuilding. While no single player can truly replace De Bruyne’s influence, Maddison’s creativity, leadership, and Premier League experience make him a logical candidate to help transition the midfield.
His arrival could allow Phil Foden to operate in more advanced roles while maintaining City’s creative output from central areas.
For Tottenham, selling to a direct rival would carry obvious sporting risks, but the financial windfall could accelerate Postecoglou’s rebuild. The Australian has demonstrated an ability to develop attacking talent, with youngsters like Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie flourishing under his guidance.
Reinvesting the Maddison fee could address squad depth issues that have hampered their consistency this season.
As negotiations potentially unfold in the coming weeks, several factors will influence the outcome. Maddison’s injury prognosis, Tottenham’s European finish, and City’s willingness to increase their offer could all prove decisive.
One certainty remains – this potential transfer represents a pivotal moment for both clubs as they shape their futures in contrasting phases of development.
For Maddison personally, the opportunity to learn under Guardiola while competing for major honors may prove irresistible. Yet his connection with Postecoglou’s project at Tottenham adds emotional complexity to what could become one of the summer’s most intriguing sagas.
As the football world awaits developments, this proposed transfer encapsulates the difficult decisions elite clubs face when balancing immediate needs against long-term visions.