Gary O’Neil makes exciting Abdul Fatawu claim after £20m Ipswich move

Gary O'Neil believes Abdul Fatawu has the potential to become one of the Premier League's most productive wingers after an encouraging start to life at Ipswich Town.

Ipswich paid Leicester City £20million for the 22-year-old during the summer after he helped Ghana reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Fatawu arrived despite being part of a Leicester side relegated to League One last season, when he still produced nine goals and seven assists. His ability to beat defenders has particularly caught the eye, and O'Neil believes there is considerably more to come.

Fatawu registered 115 successful take-ons during the 2025/26 campaign, more than any other player across England's top four divisions.

He has carried that threat into the Premier League.

After three matches, his 29 successful dribbles put him top of the division, while his explosive run and cross to create Leif Davis' goal against Manchester United offered an early example of his ability at the highest level.

"I'm really pleased with him," O'Neil said.

"He's a young, enthusiastic, great kid who works unbelievably hard. As you see, he has big moments that can change games."

Despite Fatawu's obvious one-v-one quality, O'Neil believes improving other areas could take the Ghana international to another level.

The Ipswich manager specifically wants greater consistency from his winger when linking play further away from the opposition goal.

"If I can, I think there's still big gains to be made with him," O'Neil explained.

That development could be crucial because O'Neil believes Fatawu possesses an unusually high ceiling.

"I don't see any reason that he can't be one of the wingers in the league that produces the best numbers," he added.

For a newly-promoted Ipswich side, that would make their £20m investment look increasingly impressive.

Ipswich's start has demonstrated just how demanding their Premier League return will be.

After opening with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland, they suffered consecutive defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool.

Fatawu's ability to create something from individual situations could therefore become particularly valuable when Ipswich face stronger opponents and have fewer opportunities.

Next comes another significant test away at Crystal Palace, before O'Neil's side host reigning champions Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

Those matches provide Fatawu with another opportunity to demonstrate why his manager believes he can eventually rank among the Premier League's most dangerous wingers.

Fatawu will look to build on his encouraging start when Ipswich travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, with a Carabao Cup meeting against Arsenal following next week.

For O'Neil, the challenge is developing Fatawu's all-round game without restricting the direct, unpredictable qualities that already make him such a dangerous attacking weapon.