Abdul Fatawu has officially joined Leicester City, completing his transfer from Sporting CP following his loan spell in the 2023/24 season.
The Ghanaian international, who was crucial for the Foxes, expressed his disappointment over the lack of opportunities at his former club, Sporting CP. On July 1, Fatawu became a permanent player for Leicester City, after his impressive loan spell which included 43 appearances, seven goals, and 13 assists. The club’s promotion triggered the £14.4m purchase clause in his contract.
Fatawu initially moved to England a year after joining Portuguese champions Sporting CP, where he had to wait for his chance in senior football due to registration restrictions when he signed in April 2022. During his time at Sporting CP, he was selected only 12 times, with just one start under coach Ruben Amorim.
Reflecting on his time in Lisbon and his transfer to Leicester, Fatawu told 3news via Record: “Sometimes I think it wasn’t that bad in that experience. It happened that way because sometimes the opportunity wasn’t there. But when I had those opportunities, I had more confidence and that’s what made it easier.”
Fatawu cherished his loan spell at Leicester under Enzo Maresca, where he enjoyed more playing time and support. “I think it had everything to do with the confidence he gave me on the pitch, the way he guided me throughout the championship and everything else,” he said of Maresca.
As Leicester prepares for the new season, Fatawu will now work with incoming coach Steve Cooper as the team gears up for pre-season in the East Midlands.
