Belgium sees Wout Faes depart to Shabab Al‑Ahli, market value in doubt

On a sunny evening in Dubai, Belgium sees its 28‑year‑old centre‑back Wout Faes depart for Shabab Al‑Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, after four years at Leicester City. The transfer is confirmed while the club has not yet disclosed a fee.

Career at Leicester City

Faes, the Belgian who in recent years played 136 official matches for Leicester City, dropped with the Foxes from the Premier League to League One. In the second half of the previous season he was loaned to AS Monaco to save salary costs.

Leicester City paid €17 million to Stade de Reims in 2022 to bring him to England, but the amount now received for the transfer is reported as between €10 million and €17 million.

In an official farewell message the club wrote: “He played 136 matches in all competitions and scored six goals. Wout leaves the club with everyone’s gratitude and we wish him much success in the further course of his career.”

New challenge in the United Arab Emirates

Shabab Al‑Ahli, currently fourth in the United Arab Emirates league, welcomes Faes as one of the most expensive players in the squad. According to Transfermarkt he is valued at €10 million, giving him the highest market value within the club.

At his new club he will become a teammate of the Amsterdammer Jahnoah Markelo, while the Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun remains the most well‑known name in the squad.

Faes, who has earned 28 caps for Belgium, reportedly signed a three‑year contract with Shabab Al‑Ahli. His last call‑up for the Red Devils came in June 2025, after which he was not selected again.

The transfer was also shared via Instagram, where fans of both Leicester City and Shabab Al‑Ahli posted their reactions.