Is Wout Faes packing his bags? Rumors are swirling that Leicester City’s defender is on the verge of an exit, with major European clubs knocking on the door! Will the Foxes let him go, or can they keep hold of their Belgian star? Find out all the details!
Leicester City defender Wout Faes finds himself at the center of a burgeoning transfer saga, with several prominent European clubs actively pursuing his signature, signaling a potential departure from the King Power Stadium.
Despite his considerable experience, Faes has recently seen his role diminished under new manager Marti Cifuentes, featuring only as a substitute in the opening three Championship fixtures. This tactical shift has propelled Caleb Okoli and Jannik Vestergaard into the preferred central defensive partnership, subtly indicating a change in the pecking order for the Belgian international.
The journey for Wout Faes at Leicester City began in the summer of 2022, following the high-profile sale of Wesley Fofana to Chelsea. The Foxes moved swiftly to secure the Belgian centre-back from French side Reims, signing him to a comprehensive five-year contract, hoping he would solidify their backline for years to come at the King Power Stadium.
His inaugural season, however, coincided with a challenging period for Leicester City, culminating in a shocking relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. Faes was an almost ever-present figure, making 31 appearances, during which Leicester conceded a disheartening 68 goals, a statistic that likely weighed heavily on the club’s defensive assessment.
Now, as he enters his fourth year with the club, the 27-year-old’s tenure in Leicestershire appears to be drawing to a close. German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg has identified Faes as a prime target, particularly following the recent news of Slovakian defender Denis Vavro’s impending departure, creating a vacancy in their defensive ranks and sparking intense transfer talks.
Wolfsburg’s current defensive situation is pressing, with Konstantinos Koulierakis and Moritz Jenz standing as their only fit senior centre-backs. This scarcity has intensified their pursuit of Faes, initiating direct talks with Leicester City to explore a potential transfer deal for the highly-rated Belgian international to strengthen their European club roster.
Simultaneously, Turkish giants Besiktas have also thrown their hat into the ring, reportedly tabling a lucrative four-year deal for Wout Faes, inviting him to make the move to Istanbul. This dual interest underscores the defender’s market value and the competitive landscape for his services among European clubs.
While no definitive decision on Wout Faes’ future has been publicly announced by Leicester City, the ongoing discussions with multiple European outfits suggest an active pursuit of a resolution. The Foxes face a strategic choice regarding their defensive lineup and the financial implications of a significant transfer from the King Power Stadium.
Should Wout Faes ultimately depart, it would mark a significant shift in Leicester City’s defensive strategy as they navigate the EFL Championship campaign. His potential exit could pave the way for new defensive alignments and opportunities for other players to establish themselves in the squad, impacting their bid for promotion from the Championship.