Abdul Fatawu has officially completed his transfer to Leicester City, expressing disappointment over the lack of opportunities at his former club, Sporting CP.

The Ghanaian international has become a permanent Foxes player as of July 1, following a productive loan spell during the 2023/24 campaign.

During his time on loan, he made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 13 assists. Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League triggered the £14.4m obligatory purchase clause in his contract.

Fatawu’s initial move to England came a year after he joined Portuguese champions Sporting CP. He had to wait for his chance at senior football, as he signed as an underage player in April 2022 and could not be registered mid-season. Once available for selection by manager Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old was only picked 12 times, with just one start.

Reflecting on his time in Lisbon and his recent transfer, Fatawu told 3news via Record: “Sometimes I think it wasn’t that bad in that experience. It happened that way because sometimes the opportunity wasn’t there. But when I had those opportunities, I had more confidence and that’s what made it easier.”

His loan spell at Leicester City under Enzo Maresca, where selection issues were no longer a concern, provided a stark contrast. Fatawu recalls his time fondly, attributing much of his success to Maresca’s guidance. “I think it had everything to do with the confidence he gave me on the pitch, the way he guided me throughout the championship and everything else,” he said of the Italian manager.

As Fatawu prepares for the upcoming season, he will no longer be working with Maresca. Instead, he will have to build a new relationship with incoming manager Steve Cooper as pre-season preparations commence in the East Midlands.