Pundit hails ‘absolute steal’ at Tottenham which may convince Harry Kane to stick around

Ciaran McCarthy
James Maddison, Harry Kane, England, December 2022

Ray Parlour feels the signing of James Maddison at Tottenham for a reported £40million is an “absolute steal” which could help them to keep Harry Kane.

Spurs were in a battle for the attacking-midfielder with Newcastle United. For the last few months ahead of the summer transfer window opening, the sides were locked in with their attempts to sign Maddison.

While both were suggested to be ahead at different times, it was Tottenham who prevailed. Maddison highlighted conversations with chairman Daniel Levy and manager Ange Postecoglou were drivers in his decision.

While Spurs confirmed the deal for an undisclosed fee, multiple outlets, including transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, have stated Maddison was signed for £40million.

Parlour feels signing the star for that fee is a great piece of business from the north London outfit.

“He’s a great signing. £40 million, that’s an absolute steal,” he said on talkSPORT.

Indeed, Maddison has been a very good player in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons. He scored 10 goals and provided nine assists last season, with his tally sitting at 12 goals and eight assists the season prior.

He’s also cultivated a reputation as one of the league’s best providers, both from open play and dead-ball situations. As such, given Harry Kane bagged 30 goals last season, Parlour feels he may think he can elevate that with Maddison’s supply.

“Whether Harry Kane would look at that and say ‘I might get a few more chances next year with him playing behind me,'” he said.

That might help Spurs in their attempts to keep the striker at the club. Given they had a poor season last time out – finishing eighth – and Kane had a great one, he’s the subject of interest from big clubs, namely Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

If he feels Tottenham are to be more competitive with the likes of Maddison in the side, he could be more inclined to stay put. Whether that lasts for long remains to be seen, given Kane’s contract is up next summer.

Maddison adds to a good midfield unit – Rodrigo Bentancur bagged five goals and provided two assists before injuries hindered the back end of his season during the last campaign.

“Bentancur was a bit unlucky last year in central midfield. He was becoming a decent player for Spurs,” Parlour said.

If he can get back to that good level, with more quality to link up with in Maddison, Spurs could have a much better season than the last one.

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