Belgian defender Wout Faes has wrapped up his exit from Leicester City, securing a transfer to UAE Pro League outfit Shabab Al Ahli and concluding a four-year association with the Foxes. The 28-year-old international's departure comes after a proposed move to West Ham collapsed on the September transfer deadline, leaving the player to explore alternative options abroad. His switch to the Middle East represents a significant moment in Leicester's ongoing rebuilding phase as the club adapts to the financial realities of competing in League One following back-to-back relegations.
Faes' arrival at Shabab Al Ahli addresses Leicester's pressing need to trim their wage bill, with the defender having emerged as one of the club's highest earners. Despite compiling over 130 appearances during his tenure at the King Power Stadium, the Belgian had found opportunities increasingly limited this term, registering just a single outing—against Barnsley earlier in the month. His previous campaign saw him spend the latter half on loan at Monaco, though the Ligue 1 side opted against making the arrangement permanent, ultimately paving the way for his departure from English football.
The transfer completes another chapter in Leicester's extensive squad turnover, which has already witnessed the exits of Jannik Vestergaard, Abdul Fatawu, Hamza Choudhury, and Harry Winks. The collective departures underscore the scale of restructuring underway at the club as they navigate the financial constraints imposed by their drop to the third tier. Notably, neither Leicester nor Shabab Al Ahli has revealed the transfer fee or any additional financial particulars surrounding the transaction.
As Leicester continue their quest to stabilize the squad following consecutive demotions, Faes' move to the UAE marks another step in the club's transformation. With several senior figures departing, the Foxes face a crucial period in determining whether their rebuilding efforts can eventually facilitate a return to the Championship and beyond.