What Abdul Fatawu said to Harry Winks after Leicester City exit has fans talking | OneFootball

The Ghanaian has caused a stir amongst Foxes fans in recent days

Leicester City's pre-season preparations for just a second-ever season at League One level are now underway under the new management of Russell Martin.

The Foxes' fall from grace from the Premier League down to the third tier in the space of 12 months has been well-documented, with the club's financial situation a key factor.

Indeed, Martin took over from Gary Rowett last month, penning a three-year contract in the process after the East Midlands side's former boss could not successfully halt the slide which had set in, both on and off the pitch, prior to his arrival in February, just days after the club were hit with a six-point deduction from the EFL.

It is well-known that relegation from any division comes at a cost, but for Leicester, they were ESTIMATED to have had the Championship's largest wage bill last season by some distance, even if the club didn't splash the cash on initial transfer fees.

As such, it was no real surprise that the squad of players responsible for such a downfall were the subject of immense criticism, but Harry Winks was perhaps one player who felt such negativity more than most.

However, all parties have now been given a fresh start, with the former England international moving to Serie A side, Cagliari, on a two-year contract, but that hasn't stopped Foxes supporters from voicing their displeasure towards the 30-year-old, as well as his former colleagues.

Harry Winks issues parting message to Leicester City fans after prior criticism

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Winks signed for £10m from Tottenham Hotspur after Leicester's first relegation back to the Championship in 2023/24 and was a midfield lynchpin under Enzo Maresca as the club won the division on 97 points, before circumstances later turned sour.

The experienced figure was reported to have had a bust-up with former boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy, in early 2025, and was seen being involved in a heated exchange with a supporter following the 1-0 loss to Portsmouth on April 18th, four days before the club's relegation was confirmed.

Claims about the midfielder's wages were also used as major criticisms, but now he has departed, Winks took to Instagram to issue the following message to Leicester's fanbase.

"Thank you @lcfc for the past 3 seasons. There has been many challenges along the way but its an amazing football club with incredible staff throughout and people who I will always stay in touch with," he said.

"Thank you to the fans who have always supported and been behind us during the challenges. I got to have one of my most enjoyable seasons as a player which I will never forget but I have no doubt the club will be back to where it belongs very soon," Winks added.

Abdul Fatawu's reaction to Harry Winks social media post has Leicester City fans talking

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Amongst those to react was Leicester's current prized asset, Abdul Fatawu, who recently became the subject of a transfer approach from Ipswich Town.

The Ghanaian, who played in all four of the Black Stars' FIFA World Cup matches, commented: "A leader good luck winksy," followed by a heart emoji, summing up the mutual respect between himself and his former colleague, even after the disappointment felt at the club in the past year or so.

However, given the aforementioned developments involving Winks which riled up many Leicester fans, the winger received some backlash for his verdict, with one supporter saying: "explains a lot."

Another Foxes fan responded: "led us to the third tier," with a sarcastic clap and clown emoji added, making their opinion particularly clear.

One bemused supporter added: "Utter nonsense, no wonder we got back to back relegations."

And, given Fatawu's own transfer speculation to the Portman Road outfit and West Ham United, another Foxes supporter clearly wasn't best pleased with his outlook, commenting: "hopefully you’re going next."

It remains to be seen what fee will have been received for Winks, but there is no denying that Fatawu, after scoring 16 goals and posting 23 assists in exactly 100 appearances for Leicester, and being just 22 years of age, can still command a significant fee despite being a part of back-to-back relegation seasons.

However, some of the fee which the club could receive would go towards assisting Martin's rebuild, as well as balancing the financial books at the King Power, as Leicester look to immediately bounce back to the Championship.