Wout Faes has left Leicester City to join UAE Pro League club Shabab Al Ahli in a permanent transfer, bringing his four-year spell at the English club to an end.
The Belgian defender made 136 appearances for Leicester after arriving from French club Reims in 2022, scoring six goals. His departure is another move in a major squad rebuild at Leicester following back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to the Championship and then League One.
Why Faes’ Exit Matters for Leicester
Faes became one of Leicester’s most experienced defenders during a difficult period for the club.
He played 136 matches across Premier League, Championship and cup competitions, but his time at Leicester also coincided with three relegations. He spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Monaco after losing his regular place in the Leicester squad. Monaco ultimately did not make the move permanent.
His departure therefore represents more than another transfer. It removes another senior player as Leicester reshape a squad that has changed significantly since their latest relegation.
From Leicester to the UAE Pro League
Shabab Al Ahli provides Faes with a new opportunity after his position at Leicester became increasingly uncertain.
The Dubai club confirmed the arrival as a permanent transfer, subject to international clearance. Leicester did not disclose the transfer fee.
Faes had reportedly been close to joining West Ham on deadline day in September, but that move did not happen. Because the UAE transfer window remained open, Shabab Al Ahli was able to provide an alternative destination.
The 28-year-old also brings international experience to Dubai, having earned 28 caps for Belgium since making his debut in 2021.
A Fresh Defensive Option for Shabab Al Ahli
For Shabab Al Ahli, the signing adds a defender with experience in English football and European competition.
The club is competing in domestic UAE football as well as continental competition, with its schedule including AFC Champions League fixtures later in the season.
Faes’ immediate task will be adapting to a new league and defensive system after four years in England.
For Leicester, meanwhile, his exit continues a summer clear-out that has seen several experienced players leave or move elsewhere as the club builds for life in League One.
The next stage will be seeing how Leicester replace the experience lost from the back line and how quickly the new-look squad settles.
