There was to be no late twist in the tale as Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the 2022/23 season. Despite beating West Ham 2-1 in their pivotal encounter at the King Power Stadium, Everton's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth resulted in the Foxes dropping down to the Championship seven years on from their incredible Premier League title success.
Leicester will be joined in the Championship by Leeds United and Southampton after finishing 19th and 20th respectively. As a result of their relegation, Premier League clubs will be keeping close tabs on the three sides as they look to pick up a transfer bargain ahead of next term.
There will most certainly be a fire sale at Leicester, with James Maddison their most prized asset and one who is likely to bring in the most amount of money despite his contract status. Outstanding in his time with the Foxes after contributing 55 goals and 41 assists during his 203 appearances, it is no surprise to see why a number of clubs will be interested in acquiring the 26-year-old.
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Amid reported interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United, the England international is a player Tottenham need to be moving for this summer as he can help fix a long-standing issue in N17. Failing to bring in an out-and-out replacement for Christian Eriksen following his switch to Inter Milan in January 2020, Maddison has all the qualities to fill the creative void left by the Dane.
Spurs have been crying out for a creative force like Maddison for far too long and it is a must for them in the transfer market this summer. The issue for Tottenham at present, though, is the fact that the club currently have no manager or managing director of football in place following the exits of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici.
Finding replacements for both is the club's top priority first and foremost before attention can switch to upgrading the playing squad. Already dragging on way too long for many with Spurs increasingly likely to surpass the 72 days it took to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo in the hotseat two years ago unless Daniel Levy can find his man very quickly, that in turn will only boost Arsenal and Newcastle's chances of signing Maddison if they are to make an immediate move for the attacking ace.
As much as Maddison would improve Tottenham given what he offers in the final third, it's hard to see the Lilywhites going for him until they have filled their current vacancies. After all, the club could sign Maddison and the incoming head coach may not want the player as part of his Tottenham plans.
An early deal for Maddison days after the season has come to an end would be a real statement of intent from Tottenham, yet they will now more than likely have to wait until they have a new manager and managing director of football in place and hope that the ex-Norwich City man remains a Leicester City player for the time being. After a season like Tottenham have just endured, the club cannot afford to stand still and now more than ever need things to be in place in order to move forward as one.
A potential transfer bargain for someone ahead of the summer deadline as he will be available for a reduced fee as he gets set to enter the final year of his Leicester contract, all eyes will be on what comes next for Maddison. Tottenham just cannot let someone else slip away as has been the case far too many times over the years in north London.
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