Gabriel Agbonlahor Believes Maddison has Higher Value than Tottenham’s 28-Year-Old Target
Gabriel Agbonlahor has expressed his view that James Maddison, recently signed by Tottenham Hotspur, holds a higher value than the club’s target, James Ward-Prowse. After a successful negotiation with Leicester City, Tottenham sealed the deal on Maddison’s transfer yesterday. This 26-year-old is Tottenham’s third acquisition of the summer transfer window, following previous agreements with Dejan […]
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Gabriel Agbonlahor has expressed his view that James Maddison, recently signed by Tottenham Hotspur, holds a higher value than the club’s target, James Ward-Prowse.
After a successful negotiation with Leicester City, Tottenham sealed the deal on Maddison’s transfer yesterday.
This 26-year-old is Tottenham’s third acquisition of the summer transfer window, following previous agreements with Dejan Kulusevski and Guglielmo Vicario.
The recent acquisition of Maddison represents a significant move by Tottenham, indicative of their commitment to assemble a team in line with their new coach Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy.
Tottenham is also reportedly interested in another footballer who experienced a downfall last season – James Ward-Prowse.
The Daily Mail reported that Tottenham has been following Ward-Prowse’s performances for a while now. Following Maddison’s £40 million transfer, Agbonlahor suggested on talkSPORT that Ward-Prowse, who captains the Saints, should not command such a hefty transfer fee.
Agbonlahor’s Perspective on Ward-Prowse
Gabriel Agbonlahor communicated that James Ward-Prowse cannot match the high value that Maddison, Tottenham’s recent signee, commands.
The signing of Maddison by Tottenham was completed just yesterday, following a week of talks with Leicester City.
Maddison is effectively the third summer signing for the Spurs, coming after deals with Dejan Kulusevski and Guglielmo Vicario were already secured.
The recruitment of Maddison reflects Tottenham’s strong resolve to mould a team that aligns with the strategy of the new skipper, Ange Postecoglou.
Concurrently, Tottenham has shown interest in James Ward-Prowse, another player who had a relegation experience the past season.
Ward-Prowse has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time, according to a report by The Daily Mail. Yet, post Maddison’s £40 million deal, Agbonlahor has opined on talkSPORT that a similar fee is unjustified for the Southampton leader.
Agbonlahor’s View on Ward-Prowse
In the wake of Maddison’s move, Agbonlahor was asked if Ward-Prowse should be placed in the same valuation category as the former.
While the commentator expresses admiration for the Southampton captain, he maintains that Maddison is an excellent acquisition for Tottenham.
“I’d say less,” Agbonlahor responded. “Watching Maddison play, it’s clear he’s the ideal player for Tottenham.
“They can now tell Harry Kane to stop coming off so deep and to stay forward. Maddison will step into that role, get on the ball and put Kulusevski, Son, Kane through.
“I do appreciate Ward-Prowse, but I wouldn’t class him as a £40 million player at present.”
Ward-Prowse has been a standout player for Southampton in the past seasons and is broadly regarded as one of Europe’s top free-kick specialists.
Following Southampton’s demotion from the Premier League last season, it’s probable that the Englishman might change club colours this summer.
However, after signing Maddison, it’s doubtful whether Tottenham will pursue Ward-Prowse in the upcoming weeks.
Currently, Tottenham urgently need additions to their defence to complement their existing stout goalkeeping and creative departments.
While a reinforcement in the midfield remains a possibility later in the window, it’s yet to be confirmed whether Postecoglou considers Ward-Prowse a suitable addition to his strategy.
