Quick Read
- James Maddison suffers ACL injury, sidelining him for the 2025-26 season.
- Tottenham targets AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as a potential replacement.
- Manager Thomas Frank is confident ahead of critical matches against PSG and Burnley.
- Spurs face challenges in the transfer market after failed attempts to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.
The devastating injury to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has sent shockwaves through the club, as the English star is set to miss the majority, if not the entirety, of the 2025-26 season. Maddison suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea, leaving Spurs scrambling to find a suitable replacement ahead of the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
The Maddison Blow: A Season-Altering Injury
James Maddison’s injury is a significant setback for Tottenham, both on and off the pitch. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Spurs last year, had quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad. Known for his creativity, vision, and ability to score crucial goals, Maddison’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void in Tottenham’s midfield.
According to LondonWorld, Maddison’s ACL injury occurred during a pre-season clash against Newcastle United. Spurs manager Thomas Frank described the situation as “devastating,” not just for the team but also for Maddison, who had been eyeing a spot in England’s squad for the FIFA World Cup next year. “We will miss him, and no doubt he will miss playing football,” Frank said in a press conference. Maddison is set to undergo surgery, with recovery expected to take several months.
Tottenham’s Transfer Dilemma: Who Will Fill the Void?
In light of Maddison’s injury, Tottenham is actively exploring the transfer market for a replacement. As reported by GiveMeSport, one of the names on Spurs’ radar is AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. The 23-year-old French attacker is seen as a versatile and technically gifted option who could bring creativity and energy to the midfield. Akliouche, who impressed during the previous Ligue 1 season and at the Olympic Games, has been described as having a “golden left foot” and strong pressing abilities.
French journalist Sebastien Vidal noted that Tottenham is “monitoring” Akliouche closely, although no official bid has been made yet. The young midfielder’s style of play aligns well with Thomas Frank’s high-pressing and aggressive football philosophy. Spurs are also considering other options, but Akliouche appears to be a priority due to his potential as both an immediate and long-term solution.
Challenges in the Transfer Market
Tottenham’s quest for a Maddison replacement has not been without complications. Earlier, the club attempted to secure Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White by activating a £60 million release clause. However, the move fell through after Forest disputed the validity of the clause, leading to legal threats and Gibbs-White signing a new deal with his current club.
Despite these setbacks, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has shown a willingness to invest in the squad. Recent signings, including Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and Joao Palinha on loan from Bayern Munich, highlight the club’s ambitions to compete at the highest level. However, replacing Maddison’s unique skill set remains a top priority as the new season looms.
Upcoming Challenges: Preparing for Paris Saint-Germain and Burnley
Tottenham faces a critical week ahead, with the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, followed by their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday, August 16. Speaking to reporters, Thomas Frank expressed confidence in his team’s readiness despite the recent challenges. “We will 100 percent be ready for that game,” Frank said, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming matches in setting the tone for the season.
With Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined due to injury, the pressure is mounting on Tottenham to finalize a deal for a new attacking midfielder. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the club navigates this critical juncture in their campaign.
The road ahead for Tottenham Hotspur is fraught with challenges, but the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market and commitment to its footballing philosophy could provide a pathway to success, even in the absence of a key player like James Maddison.