Fulham made a late attempt to hijack Abdul Fatawu Issahaku‘s move to Ipswich Town, but the Ghana international’s representatives honoured their commitment to the Tractor Boys, Footy-Africa can exclusively reveal.
Sources close to the deal say Fulham turned their attention to Fatawu after AC Milan refused to sanction the permanent sale of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze. The Premier League club quickly identified the Ghanaian as an alternative and tabled a last-minute offer worth more than €25 million in a bid to beat Ipswich to his signature.
However, the move came too late.
Footy-Africa understands that Fatawu’s representatives had already given their word to Ipswich and chose not to reopen negotiations despite Fulham’s improved financial package.
Sources also reveal that the player’s camp viewed Ipswich as the best environment for the 22-year-old’s development. There were concerns that a move to London might not provide the ideal setting at this stage of his career, with those close to the winger keen to ensure he remained fully focused on his football.
Abdul Fatawu’s move to Ipsiwch Town: £20m fee + wages – Full transfer breakdown
Ipswich subsequently completed the signing, handing Fatawu a five-year contract after reaching an agreement with Leicester City.
The Ghana international joins Gary O’Neil’s side after scoring 16 goals in 100 appearances for Leicester since arriving from Sporting CP in 2023. Although the Foxes endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation, Fatawu remained one of their most sought-after assets during the transfer window.
Fulham’s late approach ultimately failed to alter the outcome, with Ipswich securing one of the Championship’s most exciting attacking talents after the player’s representatives stood by their original agreement.
