Exclusive: Don Goodman tells Leicester City why they must avoid Abdul Fatawu, Sunderland sale | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on Sunderland's interest in Leicester City forward Abdul Fatawu

Don Goodman believes that Leicester City have to keep hold of Abdul Fatawu if they can amid a £28 million bid from Sunderland.

According to talkSPORT, the Black Cats have issued a formal offer to the Championship side as they look to bolster Régis Le Bris’ attacking options.

Fatawu was a key part of the Leicester side that gained promotion to the Premier League under Enzo Maresca in the 2023/24 campaign.

However, injuries hampered his progress last season, with the 21-year-old making just 11 appearances in the Premier League last year, contributing two assists.

Don Goodman issues Abdul Fatawu warning to Leicester

Goodman is wary of Leicester’s compliance with profit and sustainability rules, which could necessitate the sale of one or two players before the market closes.

However, the Sky Sports pundit believes that the Foxes must do everything they can to keep hold of the player, praising his impact in the Championship two years ago.

“It was devastating last season to not be able to watch Abdul Fatawu, because the season before [he got] six goal, 13 assists in the Championship, title-winning season, he was sensational,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“And arguably up there with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as their best and most influential player.

“They didn’t have him very much in the Premier League last season, they’re trying now to get him back to speed.

“I just think if there’s any possibility that they can keep him, then they really should.

“But I do understand the flip side of that is this might be a club struggling and fighting with the profit and sustainability rules, and ultimately they may have to sell one or two of their players.

“But I’d be doing everything I could to try and keep him.”

Fatawu has a contract with Leicester until the summer of 2029, after signing a five-year deal when he made the permanent move to the King Power 12 months ago.

Fatawu could be key to Leicester’s promotion push

Leicester do have to be wary of complying with the financial rules, which could lead to sales before the window shuts.

But if they can manage to keep hold of Fatawu, then he could be key to the club gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

An offer of £28 million pales in comparison to the potential money on offer if a place in the top flight can be regained.

It’s a tricky position for Leicester to be in because promotion is far from guaranteed due to how stiff the competition is this year, and they also have to balance their books, but perhaps the sale of other players like Bilal El Khannouss would be preferable.