Leicester City have been handed a devastating blow in their battle for survival, with Abdul Fatawu ruled out for the rest of the 2024/25 season. The midfielder’s ACL injury, confirmed by Steve Cooper, has left a major hole in Leicester’s squad as they fight to stay in the Premier League.

With the Ghanaian star now sidelined, Leicester will likely be forced to delve into the transfer market to strengthen their midfield options. The club will need to act quickly in January to bring in reinforcements, particularly in the form of loan signings, to ensure they can cope without Fatawu’s creativity and energy in the middle of the park.

Here are three potential loan signings Leicester City should consider to help fill the void left by Fatawu’s long-term injury:

With Abdul Fatawu out for the rest of the season due to his ACL injury, Leicester City find themselves needing to adjust their transfer strategy. While they were already targeting a left-back, forward, and back-up goalkeeper, the absence of the talented 20-year-old winger could now force them to prioritize a replacement in the wide areas. Given the club’s tight financial situation, the loan market may offer the best solution for bringing in a short-term replacement. Here are three potential loan signings Leicester should consider to fill the Fatawu-sized hole in their squad:

1. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

After struggling for game time at Manchester United, Jadon Sancho could be a high-risk, high-reward option for Leicester. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity, Sancho would be a natural fit for Leicester’s attack, providing much-needed width and flair. If Manchester United are willing to loan him out to get more minutes, he could provide the spark Leicester need in Fatawu’s absence.

2. Harvey Vale (Chelsea)

A promising young talent, Harvey Vale has yet to establish himself as a regular in Chelsea’s first team. A loan move to Leicester could offer him the opportunity for more playing time. Vale is versatile, capable of playing both as a winger and an attacking midfielder, making him an ideal candidate to provide depth and creativity on the flanks.

3. Jérémy Doku (Manchester City)

If Leicester could secure a loan deal for Jérémy Doku, it would be a game-changer. The explosive winger, who joined Manchester City in 2024, has yet to become a regular starter for Pep Guardiola’s side. Leicester could offer him the consistent starting role he craves while giving the Foxes a pacey, direct player capable of making an immediate impact. With Manchester City’s squad rotation, Doku might welcome a loan move to gain more first-team experience.

Each of these players would bring something different to Leicester’s attack, but all would provide valuable width and dynamism to help fill the void left by Fatawu’s injury.

Mathys Tel is a French forward currently playing for Bayern Munich. Born on January 27, 2005, in France, he joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of around €20 million, making him one of the most highly-rated young talents in Europe at the time. Tel primarily operates as a central striker but is also versatile enough to play across the front line.

Since joining Bayern, Tel has shown impressive potential with his pace, technical ability, and eye for goal. Despite his young age, he has earned opportunities in the first team and has already demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities in both domestic and European competitions. His performances have garnered attention, and many see him as a future star for both Bayern Munich and the French national team.

With his combination of youth and talent, Mathys Tel has the potential to be a key figure at Bayern Munich in the coming years, contributing to the team’s success both in the Bundesliga and on the European stage. His development will be closely watched by both Bayern fans and football scouts alike.

Mathys Tel could be an ideal loan option for Leicester City following Abdul Fatawu’s season-ending injury. With the 19-year-old struggling to secure consistent first-team opportunities at Bayern Munich due to the fierce competition in attack, a loan move to the Championship could provide him with the regular playing time he needs to continue his development.

Leicester City, who are already in need of additional attacking options after Fatawu’s injury, could offer Tel the starting role and a platform to showcase his talent. The French forward’s pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring potential would make him a valuable asset for the Foxes, as he could slot directly into the team’s attacking setup. Furthermore, a loan move to Leicester would allow Tel to gain vital match experience while Bayern Munich retains control over his long-term future.

With Vincent Kompany reportedly keen on a loan deal rather than a permanent move for Tel, this presents an opportunity for Leicester to strengthen their squad without a significant long-term commitment, making it a win-win for all involved.

Ben Doak might technically not be available for another loan move given his current spell at Middlesbrough, but if Leicester City were to inquire, it would be a difficult proposition for the young winger to turn down.

Doak, one of Liverpool’s most promising prospects, has already shown his potential on the international stage with Scotland, gaining attention for his dazzling performances. His move from Celtic to Liverpool at a young age was a major step in his development, and his loan spell at Middlesbrough has proven to be a wise decision as he continues to gain valuable Championship experience.

The 18-year-old has been one of Boro’s standout players, impressing with his pace, creativity, and ability to take on defenders. His recent performances, including giving Croatian and Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol a tough time during the Nations League, show the level of talent he possesses.

If Leicester could manage to secure a loan move for Doak—especially considering Fatawu’s injury—he would bring much-needed width and flair to the squad. With his electric pace and attacking prowess, Doak could easily slot into Leicester’s setup and help fill the void left by Fatawu’s absence, while continuing his development in a competitive environment.

Ben Doak’s age would certainly make any potential loan move a gamble, but it’s a gamble that could pay off significantly for both Leicester City and the young winger. At just 18, Doak has already excelled in the Championship with Middlesbrough, showcasing his maturity and ability to handle the demands of senior football.

A six-month stint at a Premier League club like Leicester—who are currently fighting in the lower half of the league—could offer Doak invaluable experience. In a side that may require him to step up and make an impact immediately, his confidence could soar while playing at the highest level.

Furthermore, with Leicester’s current need for attacking reinforcements following Abdul Fatawu’s injury, Doak would likely get more game time in a Premier League environment than he would at Liverpool. This exposure could significantly boost his development, increase his stock, and potentially position him for a more prominent role at Liverpool or a high-profile move in the future.

While it would be a risk, it is one that could elevate Doak’s career trajectory, making it a sensible consideration for Leicester.

Ethan Nwaneri’s meteoric rise through Arsenal’s academy has garnered significant attention, and at just 17, he looks poised to break into the Premier League ranks. After becoming Arsenal’s youngest-ever player at just 15, Nwaneri’s inclusion in every Premier League matchday squad this season shows how highly he is regarded by Mikel Arteta. Despite his promise, with star players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in front of him, Nwaneri is unlikely to secure regular first-team football at Arsenal just yet.

A loan move to Leicester City could provide the perfect platform for Nwaneri to gain crucial first-team experience. With the Foxes needing to strengthen their squad following Abdul Fatawu’s long-term injury, Leicester could offer Nwaneri the chance to feature regularly in a competitive Premier League environment.

The move would be mutually beneficial: Leicester would gain a talented and dynamic winger, while Nwaneri would have the opportunity to develop his skills in a side where he is likely to play more frequently. The exposure to top-flight football would allow him to further refine his game and build the confidence needed to eventually return to Arsenal as a more complete player.

Given Nwaneri’s immense potential, this loan could be the stepping stone he needs to eventually become a mainstay in Arsenal’s starting lineup while providing Leicester with an exciting young talent to help boost their attacking options.