Fatawu’s Stoppage-Time Heroics Keep Leicester’s Promotion Push Alive Amid Transfer Speculation
LEICESTER, 5 January 2026 – Abdul Fatawu Issahaku struck a spectacular 94th-minute volley to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory for Leicester City against West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium, as the Ghanaian winger continues to attract significant Premier League interest during the January transfer window.
Late Drama Secures Vital Three Points
The 21-year-old winger met Stephy Mavididi’s cross with a stunning volley into the top corner deep into stoppage time, rescuing three points for the Foxes after they had been second-best for much of the contest. The victory moves Leicester into the top half of the Championship table, maintaining their promotion ambitions.
West Brom dominated the second half, with Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk producing a string of crucial saves to keep his side in the match. Isaac Price struck the post eight minutes after the interval, whilst George Campbell and Aune Heggebo were both denied by the inspired Polish shot-stopper before Fatawu’s late intervention.
The match was played in front of an estimated 10,000 empty seats, as supporters staged a boycott over the club’s ownership and management, compounded by temperatures dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.
Transfer Window Speculation Intensifies
Fatawu’s match-winning contribution comes amid mounting speculation linking him with a January departure. Bournemouth have reportedly identified the winger as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City, with Leicester said to value the player at approximately £30 million.
Italian side Napoli are also preparing a bid in the region of €25 million, whilst Chelsea have been mentioned as monitoring the situation. The Ghanaian international was previously targeted by Everton and Sunderland during the summer transfer window, with the Foxes rejecting a reported £28 million offer from the Black Cats.
Leicester manager Marti Cifuentes has indicated the club will adopt the same stance they took in the summer, resisting approaches for their star winger. “We expect to handle the situation just as we did previously,” Cifuentes stated, suggesting the club has no intention of sanctioning a mid-season sale.
Season Statistics and Recovery from Injury
| Category | 2025/26 Championship |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Shots | 68 |
| Successful Dribbles | 66 (42.9%) |
| Chances Created | 32 |
Fatawu’s performances this season are particularly impressive given his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained on international duty with Ghana in November 2024. The winger has started every Championship match for Leicester this season, demonstrating his fitness and importance to the team.
His longest run without a goal or assist this campaign stands at just four matches, underlining his consistent contribution to the Foxes’ attacking play. The £14 million signing from Sporting CP in July 2024 has now registered 12 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances across all competitions for Leicester.
Career Background
Fatawu initially joined Leicester on loan from Sporting CP in August 2023, making the move permanent in July 2024 for a reported fee of €10 million, with an additional €7 million in potential add-ons. The transfer saw him switch from squad number 18 to the number 7 shirt.
The Tamale-born winger has represented Ghana on 25 occasions, scoring twice for the Black Stars. His market value has risen significantly, with Transfermarkt currently listing him at €20 million, up from €11 million in August 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs are interested in signing Abdul Fatawu?
Bournemouth, Napoli, and Chelsea have all been linked with moves for the Leicester City winger during the January 2026 transfer window. Bournemouth are reportedly preparing a £30 million bid, whilst Napoli are said to be readying an offer of €25 million.
Will Leicester City sell Abdul Fatawu in January?
Leicester manager Marti Cifuentes has indicated the club expects to resist interest in Fatawu, just as they did during the summer transfer window when they rejected approaches from Everton and a reported £28 million bid from Sunderland.
What injury did Abdul Fatawu suffer?
Fatawu sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear whilst on international duty with Ghana in November 2024. He has since made a full recovery and has started every Championship match for Leicester this season.
How much did Leicester pay for Abdul Fatawu?
Leicester City signed Fatawu permanently from Sporting CP in July 2024 for a reported fee of €10 million (approximately £14 million), with an additional €7 million in potential add-ons. He had previously spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the King Power Stadium.