Leicester City haven’t really replaced James Maddison since his departure last summer.
Maddison enjoyed a terrific five-year spell at King Power Stadium, netting 55 times whilst laying on 39 assists across 203 appearances.
The England playmaker joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £40m switch following City’s relegation and the club haven’t really signed a like-for-like replacement.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have lacked a creative spark at times this term and the need for a number 10 who occupies the pockets has become pretty evident.
So, here are three Maddison replacement Leicester should consider signing.
Jaden Philogene – Hull City
Jaden Philogene has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season and is expected to attract interest from a whole host of Premier League suitors.
Hull City outlaid £5m on Philogene last summer and after registering 18 goal contributions in his debut campaign on Humberside, Aston Villa must surely regret letting him depart.
The 22-year-old typically operates on the flanks but he did play, on occasion, as an attacking midfielder at Cardiff City last term.
Hull have set a £30m price tag on the 2002-born maverick, so Leicester would likely have to move on a couple of squad players to facilitate any forthcoming move.
Karamoko Dembele – Stade Brestois (on loan at Blackpool)
Many would’ve heard of the name Karamoko Dembele after clips of him emerged during his Celtic academy days.
Dembele was dubbed a wonderkid from the age of 13, though, his career hasn’t quite followed the trajectory fans expected.
Notwithstanding that, the 2003-born magician is enjoying a remarkable season on loan at League One outfit Blackpool.
Dembele is the division’s third top assister with 13 and his teammates have been blown away by his talent.
Speaking in January, Blackpool defender James Husband said: “This boy is special. I’ve heard players from opposite teams say ‘this kid is unbelievable.’ I’ve not seen a talent like him in this league for a long, long time.”
City should take a gamble and launch a proposal for the left-footed playmaker, who is contracted to Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois.
Leo Castledine – Chelsea
Leo Castledine is a highly-rated Chelsea youngster who could be available on a loan deal.
Castledine, a right-footed attacking midfielder, has been ripping it up in the Premier League 2 this term, netting nine times whilst laying on as many assists.
His sparkling form was rewarded with a first-team debut earlier this year, coming off the bench during Chelsea’s 6-1 win against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup.
The 18-year-old has been capped by England at every age group, which evinces how highly thought of he is around the game.
Whilst the West Londoners certainly won’t want to sanction a permanent deal, they may be willing to send him on loan to further his development and Leicester could be the perfect fit.
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