Wout Faes has left Leicester City to join UAE Pro League side Shabab Al Ahli. The 28-year-old Belgium international's transfer was finalised just before the UAE transfer deadline, providing significant wage relief for the Foxes. Faes made more than 130 appearances for the club after joining from Reims in 2022, and his departure is a key part of the club's ongoing financial and squad overhaul following consecutive relegations.
His final outing this season was a League One draw at Barnsley in September. Faes had been close to a move to West Ham on the English deadline day in September, but the deal collapsed. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Monaco, who opted against a permanent transfer. The defender, who has 28 caps for Belgium, now begins a new chapter in the Middle East.
Impact on Leicester's Squad
Faes' exit is the latest in a series of high-earning departures as Leicester adjusts to League One's financial realities. Jannik Vestergaard, Abdul Fatawu, Hamza Choudhury, Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi, and Victor Kristiansen have all been sold this year. Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, and Ricardo Pereira were also released at the end of their contracts. The club, which can be found 14th in the early standings with nine points from seven games, is restructuring to comply with the division's financial rules. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one defeat from the last five matches as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Leicester's next match is a home fixture against 23rd-placed Peterborough United on October 10. The club continues to manage a lengthy injuries list alongside this significant squad turnover, aiming for stability on and off the pitch.
More detail at bbc.com
