Ange Postecoglou looks set to seal the first signing of his reign as Tottenham Hotspur manager with the signing of James Maddison, a former favourite of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. Maddison, 26, was a key figure under Rodgers at Leicester City as the Foxes finished fifth twice, won the FA Cup and won the Community Shield.
Now, according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Postecoglou’s side have a verbal agreement in place to sign Maddison from Leicester for £40m.
Tottenham are now closing in on James Maddison deal, here we go soon! Verbal agreement in place on £40m fee — final details on add ons/payment structure then… signed. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
Daniel Levy, on it with #LCFC.
Personal terms are 100% agreed.
Medical to be scheduled soon. pic.twitter.com/HruX2NMZJp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2023
The signing of Maddison may result in Spurs prioritising other areas of the pitch rather than the centre of midfield with Reo Hatate said to be on their list. The Japanese midfielder will likely be wanted be a number of clubs given his excellent eighteen months since arriving at Celtic.
Hatate has made 66 appearances for Celtic since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in the January of 2022. In that time, Reo scored thirteen times and assisted a further fourteen times. The midfielder was exceptional last season and could go to another level under Brendan Rodgers, much like Maddison did.
Rodgers has a reputation for cultivating and improving talented players who are willing to work with him. The 25-year-old has shown a willingness to develop as a player, improving upon areas of his game that were identified as requiring attention. Working closely with Gavin Strachan, Hatate has come on an enormous amount since arriving, adding bite to his game alongside the silky qualities going forward.
