UAE Football Clubs

Shabab Al Ahli Sign Wout Faes After Chelsea Pursuit

Shabab Al Ahli Sign Wout Faes After Chelsea Pursuit UAE Cue Sports © uaecuesports.com
Shabab Al Ahli Sign Wout Faes After Chelsea Pursuit © uaecuesports.com
Shabab Al Ahli have signed Belgian defender Wout Faes from Leicester City. The 28-year-old has played in Belgium, France and England, and Chelsea once tried to recruit him with help from David Luiz.

Leicester confirmed Faes's permanent transfer, subject to receipt of an international transfer certificate. Shabab Al Ahli announced him as a Belgian international joining from Leicester. The BBC reported that the deal came just days before the UAE Pro League transfer deadline.

The David Luiz connection

Faes is often compared with the former Brazil and Chelsea defender because of his hairstyle and approach to the game. Both are known for carrying the ball forward boldly from defence.

Leicester City says Faes made 136 appearances in all competitions and scored six goals during his time at the club.

Leicester City

The connection went further.

Experience beyond the resemblance

When Faes was a young player in Belgium, Chelsea tried to sign him. The club sent him a shirt autographed by David Luiz to help persuade him. Faes joined Leicester from Stade Reims in 2022 and leaves after four years at the club. BBC Sport noted that he was part of the Leicester side during a period in which the club suffered three relegations.

BBC Sport reported that the transfer fee had not been disclosed. Independent reports say Faes has signed a three-year contract with Shabab Al Ahli, although neither club announced the financial terms.

BBC Sport

Shabab Al Ahli have added an experienced defender with a career across Belgium, France and England. The Luiz resemblance may catch the eye. Faes's own experience is the bigger part of the story.

James Mercer Founder, Owner, Publisher & Managing Director UAE Cue Sports
UAE CUE Sports Desk

James Mercer

James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.