Poor James Maddison, eh?
A great ambassador of the club since arriving from Leicester City in 2023, Maddison has been lambasted by factions of the Lilywhite fanbase since news broke of his shoulder injury at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Yes, Maddison's inability to stay fit has been a source of frustration, and the ACL tear he sustained last summer was closely linked to the subsequent on-field mess that followed. Still, the 29-year-old doesn't deserve the slander he's received from some, even if the angst is understandable.
Maddison returned prematurely from his long-term knee injury to help the club down the stretch last season. He didn't have to, but felt compelled to don his cape as Spurs stared down the barrel of relegation. Many of his setbacks have been distinctly unfortunate, including this shoulder fracture.
However, given his age and recent injury history, you do wonder how long Spurs can count upon the 29-year-old. While I don't believe the club will panic and add mitigation before this summer's deadline, there will soon be need to think about replacing Maddison long-term, with the player in mind working alongside Xavi Simons and, hopefully, Dejan Kulusevski, in the creative department.
Here are three options Spurs should consider.
1. Morgan Gibbs-White
I know, I know; the flashbacks. I still go to sleep thinking about that Fabrizio Romano "here we go!" post.
It arrived just after Mohammed Kudus signed, and it seemed as if Tottenham's ambition post-Europa League glory was limitless. Morgan Gibbs-White appeared to be a major coup, yet the deal struck was deemed null and void by his employers. Weeks later, we were humiliated by his alternative, Eberechi Eze. Dark times.
Still, the Nottingham Forest star remains on our radar, and the most optimistic of supporters believe the club, having learned about Maddison's latest setback, will deem another Gibbs-White pursuit necessary over the next week.
I don't see it, and I'm almost certain Evangelos Marinakis won't let his star man depart so late in the window. That'd be one way to alienate new manager Oliver Glasner, who saw protagonists slip by relentlessly at his previous job.
That doesn't mean Gibbs-White couldn't be pursued in 12 months time, though.
2. Martin Baturina
What the heck is this? Martin Baturina doesn't play in the Premier League?!
Correct, he's at Como in Serie A, and unless Spurs alter their current transfer policy, our recruitment will remain distinctly unimaginative and, ultimately, very expensive. Every single signing made this summer has come from the Premier League.
It's a policy that's supposed to skip acclimatisations and minimise risk. I'm not sure I buy that when some of the players signed are yet to prove themselves in the English top-flight. Sávio and Omar Marmoush, for example, arrive with chips on their shoulders after struggling to establish themselves at Manchester City.
I'd love the club to back their scouting and return to the continent. Italy was Fabio Paratici's domain, and he's now at Fiorentina, but that shouldn't mean the land of calcio must be completely forgotten.
There are gems to unearth, and Como is home to a few. Nico Paz is a pipe dream, so I've pivoted to Martin Baturina. The Croatian international joined Cesc Fàbregas' project by the iconic Lake in 2025, and helped take the burden off Paz. He scored six times and added three assists in Serie A last season, as Come secured their maiden Champions League berth.
Baturina scored wonderfully against England at the World Cup, and at 23, is one of the most exciting young playmakers in the sport that not too many people are talking about.
3. Josh King
And what if we fail to smitten Marinakis or deviate from our Premier League exclusive policy?
Well, while the League was defined by set-pieces and attrition last season, it is home to some delightful playmakers who combine old with new. There's little room for passengers out of possession nowadays, with the days of the languid No. 10 behind us.
You've got to be busy, and Fulham's Josh King's is a bundle of energy from a creative role.
King broke through at the Cottage last season, but has already matched his Premier League goal tally from his breakout campaign through one outing this term. He's not yet a serial producer, but the talent is there for all to see. King plays well beyond his years, and performs with the intensity that Liverpool supporters are desperate to get out of Florian Wirtz.
He's primed for a big season in West London, with my stocks in the 19-year-old set to soar.
Let's see where he is this time next year. I don't think it'll be long before a big dog starts sniffing around.
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