After a successful loan term, wonderkid Abdul Fatawu is expected to join Leicester City on a permanent basis. He’ll be one to watch in the Premier League.
With financial instability looming, Leicester City may lose some of its young players this summer.
In 2023/24, the Foxes enjoyed an impressive season, winning the Championship for the first time. Enzo Maresca has constructed a successful squad that he hopes to keep heading into next season’s Premier League campaign.
One of these players is prodigy Abdul Fatawu, who arrived last summer on a loan with a buyout clause for £14.5 million, which Sky Sports reports has already been activated. He was named Leicester City’s Young Player of the Season after the club won the Championship.
The Ghanaian’s exploits have been extremely remarkable, and he appears to have landed a permanent transfer to The King Power Stadium, with his late-season displays indicating that the eight-figure expenditure will be well spent.
Fatawu’s performance got his team over the line.
Fatawu has stepped up when it matters most, scoring six goals in three games to help his team win the Championship. His contribution at the King Power Stadium has been remarkable, and manager Maresca will want to keep him there when the Premier League returns next season.
While he has excelled at times throughout the season, the manner he closed the season, helping his club pull away from both Ipswich Town and Leeds United, demonstrates his quality and shows he should be able to succeed in the pressure cooker that is the top flight.
With Leicester’s defeats to Millwall and Plymouth Argyle, there was growing concern about whether the Foxes would claim an automatic promotion position. The number 18 has risen over supporters’ concerns and anxieties to bring the season’s anticipated ending.
Fatawu told LCFC.com that he is enjoying his playing at Leicester.
He stated: “It feels so amazing [to win the Championship] and how everyone – the supporters – is showing love.”
The connection and togetherness between himself and the supporters could be beneficial if he is to play a role in the club next year, as there will undoubtedly be a scrap to stay in the Premier League.
Financial concerns could see large players quit.
According to Sky Sports, “Leicester have an obligation to buy Fatawu, making the winger’s loan from Sporting permanent for an expected £14.5m”. Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP’s manager, has also confirmed that Fatawu will leave this summer.
However, there have been suggestions that Leicester could sell either Fatawu or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to bolster their fight against financial fines. Surprisingly, this could imply that the former is purchased and sold in the same transfer window.
Sky Sports also said that Fatawu is being pursued by “at least three Premier League clubs and two Champions League teams,” implying that a speedy deal is likely and cash creation would be simple.
Fatawu, the “fox in the box,” would be a major loss for their Premier League campaign.
A financially motivated departure in the summer would be a huge disappointment for both the player and the club, given his performances in 2023/24, particularly in the final few weeks. His effect might be critical in the top flight, and his career potential suggests that keeping with him longer term may be a better move if they want to make a profit.
The 20-year-old Ghanaian might provide spice to the Premier League. He’s a great danger on the right wing, with the ability to cut inside and utilize his left foot as a wand from outside the box. Flair is definitely an understatement for Fatawu, who frequently demonstrates remarkable skill from the wings. His curled finesse shots are nearly unstoppable and have become his trademark on the field.
In addition to attacking, he is a skilled playmaker and defender. He has won 70% of his attempted tackles and made 149 recoveries (FotMob). He has clearly bought into Leicester and Maresca.
The Italian manager trusted him and it paid off. He will want to keep the attacker for their return to the Premier League, and with good reason: the youngster’s talent shows he might be an asset in the top tier.
Leicester will be confident in making a return on the £14.5 million they spent to properly land him, but according to Sky Sports, financial concerns may force them to sell for a profit far sooner than they would like.
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