James Maddison admits the closing of the transfer window was a “sigh of relief” for Leicester City.
The playmaker was the subject of a number of bids from Newcastle United, while Tottenham were also linked with a move.
Speculation over the future of key players was a recurring theme of a difficult summer at the King Power Stadium, with Wesley Fofana leaving after a protracted saga and Youri Tielemans continually linked with a move to Arsenal.
The start to the season has proved equally as arduous for Leicester, who sit rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after a 6-2 defeat at Spurs on Saturday condemned Brendan Rodgers’ side to their sixth loss in seven games.
Maddison has entered the final two years of his contract in the East Midlands and will almost certainly be the subject of more speculation the longer he does not sign an extension.
For now, however, the 25-year-old is happy the window is shut.
“After it shuts, I think there is a bit of a sigh of relief, especially some of the staff at football clubs,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think it definitely can be [a chance for others to shine after a lack of Leicester signings]. In tough times, you need your big players and your top players to grab the team. And stick the team on your back, at times.”
