Sunderland AFC eyeing fresh Leicester City transfer raid | OneFootball

Sunderland were reportedly interested in signing Abdul Fatawu last summer

Abdul Fatawu is likely to be the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer amid Leicester City’s relegation battle.

The winger has been a standout player in an otherwise difficult campaign for the Foxes, with the player contributing nine goals and seven assists in the Championship.

The 22-year-old has rediscovered his form after a difficult year in the Premier League last season, where he made just 11 appearances and failed to score.

Fatawu was crucial to the club’s promotion back to the top flight in 2024, where he scored six and assisted 13.

He has previously been linked with a move to Sunderland, with the Black Cats reportedly making a bid worth £28 million last summer.

Everton were also previously mentioned as a club tracking his progress, but he ultimately remained at the King Power Stadium for this term.

Sunderland set Abdul Fatawu stance

It has been reported by Football Insider that Sunderland are ready to reignite their interest in Fatawu this summer.

The Black Cats are keen to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window, and have set their sights back on the Leicester star.

Régis Le Bris’ side are 11th in the Premier League table, and have all but secured their survival with seven games to go.

The Wearside outfit have already turned their attention to the summer market, as they look to improve upon a strong first year back in the top flight.

It was reported at the weekend that Leicester are willing to cash in on Fatawu, and have set an asking price of £20 million.

The forward has a release clause valued at £30 million, but the Foxes are willing to lower those demands in a bid to cash in on the player.

The Foxes are seeking to reduce their wage bill for next season, with financial issues plaguing the club in recent years.

This led to the team being hit with a six point penalty earlier in the year due to alleged breaches of the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The six point deduction currently places Gary Rowett’s side in the relegation zone, with Leicester sitting 22nd in the table with just seven games remaining.

The club have won just one of their last 13 league fixtures, and are one point behind 21st place Portsmouth.

Next up for Rowett’s team is a home clash against Preston North End on 3 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Abdul Fatawu exit is inevitable if Leicester are relegated

If Leicester are competing in League One next season, then there’s very little chance that Fatawu will remain with the team.

And even if they manage to stay up, then Sunderland could still quite easily meet the £20 million asking price for him given their previous offer.

Fatawu has proven himself as a top Championship player during his time at the King Power, even standing out in an otherwise tough year for the Foxes.

He could be a smart bit of business for Sunderland this summer, and his departure will be a big blow for Leicester, particularly if they can’t get the full £30 million valuation of his release clause.