In terms of contracts, a new season has begun. Football’s accounting year begins in July, and Leicester City can now look forward after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s signing allayed worries over the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
And for that reason, Abdul Fatawu’s confirmation as a new addition excites City fans. Both Southampton and Ipswich, their opponents for promotion, have previously declared the permanent arrival of a loanee from the previous season; Taylor Harwood-Bellis is returning to Southampton, while Omari Hutchinson is the Tractor Boys’ first acquisition. But Fatawu hasn’t shown up yet.
Naturally, with the deal not being announced immediately, there will be a few nerves jangling among fans that there’s been a snag somewhere. But there’s nothing to say that’s the case. It’s just a matter of finding the right time to announce the deal.
In recent weeks, Fatawu has made every effort to independently announce the £14 million transfer. Speaking last week in his home country of Ghana, he declared that he will be joining City for the start of the upcoming Premier League season. He shared a set of pictures from the previous season on social media a few weeks ago, writing, “Miss these moments with the lads.” Looking forward to returning soon.
Although it is unknown if Fatawu will be among the first group back—given that he played for Ghana in early June—it would seem reasonable to assume that an announcement will be made closer to the time of the City first team’s scheduled return for pre-season play on Monday, July 8. By doing so, the team will have enough time to snap the signing photos and make sure that the good news about the winger’s entrance arrives after the bad news about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure.
Richards signs amid several young contracts
Three young players with expiring contracts—Amani Richards, Chris Popov, and Kian Pennant—were offered new contracts before the season ended, according to City’s retained list. After agreeing to a new contract, Richards will look to showcase his skills once more in the forthcoming campaign.
Playing out wide or up front, the 19-year-old scored or assisted on goals in each of City Under-21s’ first six Premier League 2 games. However, he only started five of the team’s 14 subsequent games. Despite this, he was one goal behind Silko Thomas in second place among the development squad’s goal contributors with eight.
With City back in the Premier League, Richards will be one of a number of prospects hoping to get out on loan in the EFL. Loans are an infrequently-utilised option for City, despite their success, with the likes of Dewsbury-Hall, Kasey McAteer, and Ben Nelson all coming into the first team after good spells in the EFL.
Richards is probably one of several young players who have committed to long-term contracts with the team. New contracts for players in the development squad are typically not confirmed by City, but it is believed that they are getting ready to make a multi-deal announcement at once.
That might also not be too far off. Ben Petty left to become Birmingham’s assistant manager, leaving the development squad without a manager. The team is scheduled to resume preseason on Wednesday.
Sevilla formally bids Soumare farewell.
Dewsbury-Hall is losing one midfield player for City, but Boubakary Soumare is a new addition. Now that his loan from Sevilla has officially ended, the Spanish team has made it clear they do not plan to extend his contract.
