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Tottenham could make an official bid for Championship star following James Maddison injury

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 8:25 AM ET

James Maddison’s injury setback could see Tottenham Hotspur accelerate their pursuit of Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss

Tottenham Hotspur have been plunged into a dire situation after the devastating blow to creative midfielder James Maddison has forced them back into the transfer market.

After a two-month absence due to injury sustained before the Europa League final against Manchester United in May, the 28-year-old came back during the Lilywhites’ pre-season tour. Yet, only in his second game against Newcastle United on Sunday, the midfielder came on for just 12 minutes- only for him to come off injured.

James Maddison had to be stretchered off the pitch as he covered his face in agony, indicating that this might be a serious injury that sidelines him for a long time. Our gaffer Thomas Frank called it a “brutal moment” for the England international and added the injury looks to be a “bad” one for the midfielder, who experienced problems with the same knee last term.

Tottenham already wanted to add a creative midfielder to their ranks even before Maddison’s incident. The club were close to signing Morgan Gibbs-White, only for the deal to collapse and the midfielder to sign a new three-year deal with Nottingham Forest. Already in need of an attacking midfielder, Spurs could now accelerate their interest in one summer target.

Tottenham to step up interest in Leicester City playmaker

Reports last month suggested that Tottenham had identified Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss as one of the alternative targets to Gibbs-White. They have been monitoring the creative midfielder closely after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League last season, a development which triggered his £22.5m release clause.

Now, according to a report from TBR Football, Spurs could firm up their interest in Bilal El Khannouss by tabling an official bid in the wake of Maddison’s injury setback.

Rated as “one of the finest technicians of his generation”, the Moroccan international was one of Leicester City’s better performers in an otherwise torrid 2024/25 campaign. He netted two goals- including a strike in the 1-2 away win over Tottenham in January- and assisted three times in 32 Premier League appearances as the Midlands outfit suffered relegation.

El Khannouss’ £22.5m release clause would be bargain for Spurs

Now that a £22.5m release clause has been triggered into his contract following Leicester’s drop to the Championship, the north Londoners must be all over El Khannouss’ signing.

A No.10 by trade, the 21-year-old can also operate off the left and in a midfield three, and this versatility combined with his flair and work ethic could come in handy once Maddison recovers from his injury to reclaim the No.10 spot. Tottenham would offer the Moroccan a chance to immediately move back to the Premier League and develop his skills under an astute tactician like Thomas Frank. Also, the lure of Champions League could be difficult for the youngster to turn down.

The Europa League winners turned their attention to El Khannouss after they missed out on Gibbs-White and this might be a move that could actually gather momentum in the coming days, based on Maddison’s injury scenario.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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