Everton have clear route to Abdul Fatawu transfer after Sunderland Europa League news
Everton are surely now in their strongest ever position when it comes to their chances of signing Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu this summer.
The Toffees have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old in recent months, and he is now almost certain to depart the King Power Stadium after the Foxes were relegated to League One.
The Ghana international notched nine goals and seven assists in the Championship this term, but was unable to help his team get over the line and secure their survival.
However, Fatawu appears destined to be playing Premier League football next term, such is the level of interest in him, as he is set to avoid the full effects of Leicester’s back-to-back relegations.
Everton’s transfer plans are set to see them target quality additions in the attacking areas once again, and Fatawu is a man who is firmly on David Moyes’ radar.
💸 Everton Transfer News 💸
Get the latest recruitment inside track from the Hill Dickinson Stadium: exclusive updates on the pursuit of Liam Delap, the Friedkin Group’s summer budget, and Jack Grealish’s permanent future.
VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBSunderland’s Europa League berth plays right into Everton’s hands
Football Insider revealed back in April that Sunderland and Everton are both chasing a move for Fatawu this summer, with the Black Cats reigniting their pursuit after failing to land him last year.
The Wearsiders have been long-term admirers of the former Sporting CP man, but that will surely now change after they secured a berth in next season’s Europa League on the final day of the season.
| Stats | Fatawu Totals |
| Apps (Starts) | 44 (43) |
| G/A | 16 |
| Chances Created per 90 | 1.36 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 2.78 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 0.68 |
| Duels Won % | 43.6% |
Regis Le Bris’ side booked their ticket to Europe with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, and the continuation of their meteoric rise will surely alter their transfer plans for the coming months.
Sunderland were clearly viewing Fatawu as a strong option to add to their squad, but they will surely turn their attention towards bigger targets now that they will be competing alongside some of Europe’s elite.
With that in mind, their qualification plays directly into Everton’s hands, as their pair have outlined themselves as the strongest suitors for the wideman by a distance of late.
Moyes is continuing last year’s effort to add more flair players to his hard-working squad, and with Sunderland potentially now out of the picture, they surely have a clear route to secure a deal for Fatawu.
How much would Everton have to pay for Abdul Fatawu?
Leicester’s drop into the third tier undoubtedly helps Everton’s cause when it comes to their ability to make a move for Fatawu this summer, but it will not be a case of them paying pennies for the star.
Fatawu has a £30million release clause in his Leicester contract, but the East Midlands outfit are willing to accept bids in the region of £20m this summer, according to Alan Nixon.
They desperately need to raise funds in order to make up for the losses that they will make in League One, while Fatawu himself will also feel that he has no place at that level of football.
With that in mind, the chance to sign him for £20m should hugely appeal to Everton, given the way that he performed this term in a side that struggled throughout the campaign.
Fatawu is destined for far bigger things than the third tier, and it could be a gamble worth taking for the Toffees to bring him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for next term.
🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵
The definitive digital directory for the Toffees. Track the Friedkin era, Finch Farm fitness updates, and the transition to the New Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.