Fatawu Close to Returning to the Premier League with Ipswich Town

Ghanaian winger Fatawu is reportedly close to making a return to the Premier League as Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the top flight, is finalizing a transfer agreement with Leicester City. The deal is said to be worth around 23 million euros, according to Sky Sports.

Fatawu, who previously played for Sporting Lisbon during the 2022/23 season, moved to Leicester City on loan the following season. Leicester then activated a purchase option in 2024 for a fee reported to be 17 million euros, securing his permanent transfer. Ipswich Town’s interest in the player comes as they prepare for their Premier League campaign following promotion.

The potential transfer represents a significant move for both the player and Ipswich Town. For Fatawu, it would mark a return to England’s top division, offering him the chance to compete at the highest level once again. For Ipswich, securing a player with Premier League experience could be an important step in strengthening their squad as they aim to establish themselves in the league.

Sporting Lisbon stands to benefit financially from the transfer due to a clause in their agreement with Leicester. According to Sporting’s latest semi-annual Report and Accounts, the club reserved 15% of any profit from a future sale of Fatawu. If the transfer fee reaches approximately 20 million pounds (around 23.5 million euros), Sporting is expected to receive about 900,000 euros. Additionally, Sporting could earn just over 100,000 euros through the solidarity mechanism, which compensates clubs involved in a player's development. The club had already received at least 150,000 euros following the permanent sale of Fatawu, linked to bonuses for collective and individual performance.

Ipswich Town aims to complete the signing before the end of their training period in Spain, allowing the player to integrate into the squad ahead of the new season. The club’s next steps will likely focus on finalizing the deal and preparing for their upcoming fixtures as they seek to compete effectively in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Leicester City will adjust their squad plans following the anticipated departure of Fatawu.