Wout Faes Transferred to Shabab Al-Ahli
The 28-year-old defender has left Leicester City for a permanent move to the Dubai-based club.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
Wout Faes has completed a permanent transfer from Leicester City to Shabab Al-Ahli. The move sees the 28-year-old defender depart the English side following the close of the primary transfer window.
Why it matters
This transfer marks a significant personnel shift for Leicester City as they manage their squad composition. It also brings an experienced defender to Shabab Al-Ahli, a club with an extensive history in the United Arab Emirates.
Wout Faes joins Shabab Al-Ahli at 28 years old, ending his four-year tenure at Leicester City. His new club boasts a pedigree of 9 league titles and 11 UAE President Cups.
The players
Wout Faes
He is a 28-year-old professional football player who has previously represented clubs including Leicester City and AS Monaco.
Leicester City
This is a professional English football club based in Leicester that has competed in the top tiers of the English football league system.
Shabab Al-Ahli
Based in Dubai, this is a decorated football club that has secured nine league titles and 11 UAE President Cups.
The details
Wout Faes previously joined Leicester City in 2022 and had prior experience playing on loan at AS Monaco. He now transitions to a club based in Dubai, moving on after Leicester City suffered a recent relegation.
Timeline
Wout Faes joined Leicester City in 2022.
Leicester City suffered a relegation in 2025.
Wout Faes left Leicester City in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This transfer alters the defensive depth for Leicester City as they navigate the aftermath of a 2025 relegation. Meanwhile, the arrival of a European-experienced defender positions Shabab Al-Ahli to compete for further honors in the UAE league.
Leicester City must now identify defensive replacements to stabilize their squad following the departure of a four-year veteran. Fantasy managers and followers of the UAE Pro League should adjust their expectations for Shabab Al-Ahli's defensive rotation.
The takeaway
Players moving to international leagues often seek new competitive environments to revitalize their career paths. Fans can monitor the impact of this defensive addition on Shabab Al-Ahli's upcoming league performance.
Further reading
For more news regarding international roster changes, visit the Soccer section.
