Tottenham have been linked to a potential swap deal involving their standout midfielder James Maddison and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, fuelling debate over the feasibility of such a move.
Commentator Ian Darke has weighed in on the rumours, noting that while Grealish could be a strong addition to Spurs, Maddison’s importance to Ange Postecoglou’s squad makes the likelihood of this swap questionable.
Darke suggested that such a deal would only be plausible if Maddison were to leave the Lilywhites and City expressed significant interest in him, though he labelled these scenarios as speculative.
Speaking to Tottenham News, the pundit said:
“They’ve got Maddison. Why would they want to sign Grealish?
“The only way that could ever happen was if there was a swap deal on the cards whereby Maddison was fancied by someone else more than Postecoglou. It seems like pure speculation.
“But you could imagine Grealish as a good fit for Tottenham – however, it’s a flyer at the moment.”
Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been a mix of highs and struggles. He played a vital role in the club’s historic treble-winning season in 2022–23, contributing to their triumphs in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
However, his form has waned since then, with the midfielder struggling to find the consistency and attacking spark he showcased during his time at Aston Villa. So far this season, Grealish has yet to score, raising questions about his current impact at City.
In contrast, Maddison has flourished since his move to Tottenham last summer. Under Postecoglou’s leadership, the English playmaker has become central to Spurs’ resurgence, registering five goals and four assists across 17 appearances in all competitions in the ongoing campaign. (Transfermarkt)
His performance in Spurs’ recent 4-0 victory over Manchester City, where he scored twice on his 28th birthday, exemplified his influence and importance to the squad.
Currently valued at €70 million compared to Grealish’s €55 million, Maddison is seen as a more valuable asset, both financially and strategically. Given Maddison’s pivotal role and long-term contract until 2028, Tottenham would likely be reluctant to part ways with him.
While Grealish’s quality and experience are undeniable, sacrificing Maddison seems implausible for a Spurs side intent on maintaining their upward trajectory and competing for the silverware.
