London, November 17, 2024** – A former Celtic FC player has boldly claimed that Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou should “brutally axe” £40 million signing James Maddison in favor of a reported Manchester United target in the upcoming transfer window.
The ex-Celtic player, speaking exclusively to *The Evening Standard*, suggested that despite Maddison’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s most talented attacking midfielders, Postecoglou might be better off offloading him in favor of a player with a more dynamic playing style better suited to the Australian coach’s tactical vision.
Maddison, who joined Tottenham from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, has been a regular feature in Spurs’ first team, but his form has been inconsistent this season, leading many to question his future at the club. Despite his creative abilities, Maddison’s struggles to fit into Postecoglou’s high-intensity, pressing system have left him out of the starting XI for key fixtures.
**The Replacement: Manchester United Target**
The former Celtic player, whose identity remains anonymous, pointed to *Jude Bellingham*, a player who has already drawn significant interest from Manchester United, as the ideal replacement for Maddison. Bellingham, currently playing at Real Madrid, has been one of the standout young talents in Europe, with his dynamic box-to-box play, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities drawing praise from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“He’s exactly what Postecoglou needs,” the former Celtic star said. “Maddison is a gifted player, but he doesn’t fit the profile of the type of midfielder Postecoglou wants. Bellingham is a complete player — he can break up play, drive the ball forward, and contribute both defensively and offensively. If Tottenham wants to play at a higher tempo, they need someone like him. And with his link to Manchester United, it wouldn’t surprise me if Spurs made a move for him.”
Bellingham has been in sensational form since his £88 million move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, and he’s already drawing comparisons to some of the world’s best midfielders. His potential availability in the summer could spark a bidding war between some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Tottenham, should Postecoglou decide to make a high-profile midfield change.
**Maddison’s Struggles Under Postecoglou**
Since taking over as manager in the summer of 2023, Postecoglou has implemented a high-pressing, fast-paced system that values work rate and ball recovery in midfield. While Maddison has certainly shown glimpses of his talent, his lack of defensive contribution and tendency to play at a slower tempo compared to Postecoglou’s ideal setup has meant that the England international has found himself on the fringes of the starting lineup in recent weeks.
Despite his £40 million price tag, Maddison’s place in the squad could be in jeopardy if Postecoglou feels he doesn’t fit the long-term vision for the club. His reduced role this season, combined with the club’s desire to strengthen its midfield, makes him a potential casualty as the January transfer window approaches.
**Tottenham’s Potential Midfield Shake-up**
Tottenham’s midfield has already seen changes this season, with younger players like *Pape Matar Sarr* and *Yves Bissouma* earning more minutes under Postecoglou. The addition of someone like Bellingham — who combines vision, work rate, and versatility — could elevate Tottenham’s midfield to a new level, especially given their ambition to challenge for a top-four finish and return to the Champions League.
Postecoglou, who is known for his no-nonsense approach to squad management, will be hoping to make further adjustments to his squad in the coming months. The club has been linked with various transfer targets, but Bellingham’s name continues to surface in discussions, with the 21-year-old viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
**The Future for Maddison**
With reports suggesting that Manchester United could make a move for Bellingham, and Postecoglou’s willingness to make tough decisions, the future of James Maddison at Tottenham looks uncertain. The midfielder will need to prove his worth to the manager in the coming months, or risk being replaced by a younger, more dynamic talent who fits the style of play Postecoglou is trying to implement.
As the January transfer window looms, Tottenham fans will be closely watching any potential moves. While Maddison’s skill is undeniable, Postecoglou’s preference for an energetic and defensively responsible midfield may ultimately see the £40 million man find himself on the outs, with a top-tier replacement potentially on the way.
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