By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Abdul Fatawu is a player most West Ham fans will now be familiar with after two weeks of speculation linking the Leicester City winger with a move to the London Stadium.
The Foxes, of course, were relegated from the Championship last season.
Despite that, Fatawu performed well in a struggling team, registering nine goals and seven assists in 44 Championship appearances.
That, in itself, is an impressive return from a 22-year-old who has already overcome a serious ACL injury and bounced back to prove both his fitness and ability.
Eye-Catching Against England
Those unfortunate enough to endure England’s game against Ghana a few days ago would also have seen Fatawu feature as a substitute.
He looked lively during the second half of the World Cup warm-up and demonstrated exactly the sort of pace and direct running that catches the eye.
Blessed with excellent speed and good technique, it’s easy to see why clubs are taking a close look at the lad.
Leicester May Have Little Choice
Depending on which newspaper you read, the Leicester winger is valued at around €15 million.
One would think that, much like West Ham with Crysencio Summerville, Leicester may well be forced to cash in following relegation.
A strong World Cup would only strengthen their negotiating position.
A Better Fit Than McNeil?
Certainly, Fatawu would bring the kind of pace West Ham have been missing for some time.
For me, he represents a far more exciting option than the pragmatism of signing Dwight McNeil on loan from Everton.
Whether the Hammers can get a deal done is another matter entirely.
But if West Ham are looking to replace Summerville’s explosiveness, Fatawu feels a much closer fit.
“He looked lively during the second half of the World Cup warm-up”
Warm up??