Everton maintain interest in Leicester's Abdul Fatawu as summer battle looms
Everton are set to renew their interest in Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu this summer, with the Ghanaian international expected to be available as the Foxes face potential relegation to League One. According to Football Insider, the 22-year-old remains firmly on the radar of the Toffees, who face competition from fellow Premier League side Sunderland for his signature.
The Merseyside club were admirers of Fatawu last summer but ultimately pursued other options after Leicester's asking price was deemed too high. The situation has now shifted significantly, with Leicester in financial turmoil following a six-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules and sitting second-bottom of the Championship, five points from safety. Should they drop to the third tier, a major squad exodus is anticipated, with Fatawu reportedly among the first players likely to be sold.
It is suggested that a fee in the region of £20 million could be enough to secure Fatawu's services this summer, a figure notably lower than the reported £30 million release clause in his contract. The winger has contributed nine goals and seven assists in 41 Championship appearances this season, adding to a total of 38 goal contributions (16 goals, 22 assists) across 97 games for Leicester since his arrival.
For Everton, the potential move aligns with a desire to bolster their wide options ahead of next season. The future of current winger Dwight McNeil remains uncertain despite his recent return to the starting lineup, while the club is still evaluating Chelsea loanee Tyrique George, whose deal includes a £25 million buy option. Everton are also reportedly confident of securing another loan deal for Manchester City's Jack Grealish, who suffered a season-ending injury but remains in their plans.
Fatawu's profile as a young, direct winger with proven productivity in the Championship and a stated readiness to return to the Premier League makes him an appealing target. His potential acquisition would signal a continued effort by Everton to refresh their attacking options under manager David Moyes. The competition from Sunderland, however, ensures that the Toffees will not have a clear path to the player, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle once the window opens.
