The reason for Chelsea not signing James Maddison from Leicester City during the summer transfer window has now been revealed.

Chelsea could have signed Maddison in the wake of Leicester’s relegation in 2022-23, but no move for the attacking midfielder was made. That left the path clear for London rivals Tottenham to swoop in.

Since joining Tottenham Hotspur, Maddison has scored twice and registered a couple of assists in his first five games for Spurs on the back of a £40m ($50m) transfer.

According to the Telegraph via GOAL, Chelsea opted against signing Maddison as he does fit the club’s current recruitment model. 

The Blues were only looking to bring in players over the summer that are under 25 years of age – which rules Maddison out as he will turn 27 in November.