Leicester City’s dynamic winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has become one of the most talked-about names in English football following his impressive stint with the Foxes. The 20-year-old Ghanaian dazzled fans with his explosive pace, skillful dribbling, and fearless attacking play — characteristics that made him one of Leicester’s standout performers during their Championship-winning campaign. But with Leicester City now confirming his departure, new head coach Marti Cifuentes has stepped in with a heartfelt request directed at Ghana’s national team setup.
According to reports, Cifuentes — who recently took over at Leicester following Enzo Maresca’s exit to Chelsea — has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to manage Fatawu’s international workload carefully. The Spanish coach believes that the young winger’s development could be jeopardized by excessive international duty and travel, especially given his intense club schedule and the physical demands of top-flight football.
Cifuentes is said to be a huge admirer of Fatawu’s raw talent. Even though the player is no longer at Leicester, the coach’s respect for him runs deep. “He’s a special player — one of those rare wingers who can change a game on his own,” a club insider quoted Cifuentes as saying. “But at this stage of his career, his growth must be managed with precision. Ghana has a gem on their hands, and he must be protected, not overused.”
Fatawu, who joined Leicester on loan from Sporting Lisbon before making his move permanent, was instrumental in their promotion push. He scored vital goals, registered multiple assists, and became a fan favorite with his signature flair and work ethic. His partnership with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jamie Vardy brought back memories of Leicester’s fearless counter-attacking football of old.
However, his exit — believed to be motivated by financial and strategic reasons — has left many Leicester supporters disappointed. The club, operating under tighter financial rules following relegation and promotion cycles, reportedly received offers from several European sides. While the transfer fee remains undisclosed, insiders suggest Leicester couldn’t resist the financial stability the deal brought.
For Ghana, Fatawu’s growing reputation means he is expected to play a bigger role in the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The winger has already been touted as one of the key figures in Ghana’s next generation of stars alongside Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah. However, Cifuentes’ appeal highlights the delicate balance between national pride and player welfare.
Football observers agree that managing young African players who feature in Europe’s most demanding leagues is a complex challenge. Travel distances, different climates, and fixture congestion often lead to fatigue and injuries. Cifuentes’ message to Ghana’s football authorities is not one of control but of concern — a call for cooperation in ensuring that Fatawu’s bright future remains on track.
As for Leicester City, the loss of such a vibrant player will sting. But Cifuentes seems determined to build a balanced team that can sustain success in the Premier League without over-reliance on individual brilliance. “We wish Fatawu the very best,” he reportedly said. “He gave everything for this club. I only hope Ghana nurtures him the right way — because the world deserves to see his full potential.”
For Fatawu, this next chapter promises both opportunity and expectation. Whether under Cifuentes’ watchful eye or in the colors of Ghana, one thing is clear — his journey from Tamale to top-tier European football has only just begun.
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