Leicester City can feel confident in £14.5m outlay delivering after recent developments: View | OneFootball

Leicester City could face losing some young stars this summer with looming financial uncertainty.

The Foxes had an impressive season in 2023/24, winning the Championship title at the first time of asking. Enzo Maresca has assembled a winning squad that he would ideally like to retain going into next season's Premier League campaign.

One of these talents is starlet Abdul Fatawu, who arrived last summer on a loan with option-to-buy for £14.5 million – a clause that Sky Sports has reported has now been triggered. He was rewarded with the Young Player of the Season Award at Leicester City this season after winning the Championship title.

The Ghanian's performances have been hugely impressive and appear to have secured him a permanent transfer to The King Power Stadium while his late-season performances suggest that the eight-figure outlay will be money well spent.

Fatawu's form got his side over the line

Fatawu has stepped up when it has mattered most, getting six goal involvements in three games to help his side lift the Championship title. His contribution at the King Power Stadium has been tremendous and something that manager Maresca will want to retain heading into the Premier League next term.

While he's impressed at points throughout the campaign, the way he finished the season to help his side pull away from both Ipswich Town and Leeds United really hammers home his quality and suggests he should be able to perform in the pressure cooker that is the top flight.

With Leicester's slip against both Millwall and Plymouth Argyle, pressure had been mounting on the Foxes as to whether they would secure an automatic promotion spot. The number 18 has risen above the fears and anxiety of fans and delivered the desired end to the season.

Talking to LCFC.com, Fatawu made it clear that he was enjoying his football at Leicester.

He said: "It feels so amazing [to win the Championship] and how everyone – the supporters – is showing love."

The connection and unity between himself and the supporters could well be useful if he is to play a part in the club next year, with there being an inevitable dogfight to stay in the Premier League.

Financial challenges could see massive players depart

Sky Sports have reported that "Leicester have an obligation to buy Fatawu, making the winger's loan permanent from Sporting for an expected £14.5m". Alongside this, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has accepted that Fatawu will leave this summer.

However, there have been suggestions that Leicester have to sell either Fatawu or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to aid their battle against financial sanctions. Astonishingly, this could mean that the former is bought and sold in the same transfer window.

Sky Sports have also reported that Fatawu is being targeted by "at least three clubs in the Premier League and two Champions League teams", meaning a quick-fire sale is possible and cash generation would be straightforward.

'Fox-in-the-box' Fatawu would be a huge loss for their Premier League campaign

A financially motivated sale in the summer would be a massive shame for both the player and the club, given his performances in 2023/24 and those displays in the final weeks, in particular. His impact could well be vital in the top-flight and his career potential means that sticking with him longer-term might actually be a better decision if they're looking for a profit.

The 20-year-old from Ghana could be a real source of excitement for the Premier League. He's a real danger on the right wing, able to cut inside and use his wand of a left foot from outside the box. Flair is probably an understatement for Fatawu, as he frequently shows magical ability from the wing. His curled finesse shots are virtually unstoppable and have become his showpiece on the pitch.

As well as attacking, he's also a well-rounded passer and defender of the ball. He's won 70% of tackles he's attempted, alongside making 149 recoveries (FotMob). He's clearly bought into Leicester and Maresca.

The Italian manager has put a lot of faith in him and has reaped the rewards. He will want to keep the attacker for their return to the Premier League and for good reason, as the youngster's quality suggests he should be an asset in the top flight.

Leicester will feel confident about getting a return on the £14.5 million they're spending to land him properly but, as per Sky Sports' reporting, financial issues may mean they're forced to sell for a profit long before they ideally would want to.