The talented defender, who joined Leicester City in 2022, Wout Faes has been delivering a standout season for the club, garnering attention from Atalanta.
Under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, Leicester City’s performance during the first half of the 2023-24 season impressed many, providing an opportunity for players, who endured a challenging previous campaign, to showcase their talents at a lower level.
Key figures such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Wilfred Ndidi, Jannik Vestergaard, and others, stayed with the team following relegation and have been instrumental in propelling the club to the top of the Championship table. Wout Faes, acquired from French club Reims for approximately £15 million in September 2022, has also found his place among these players.
Faes’ consistent presence in the starting lineup under various managers, despite the team’s relegation from the top flight and despite an unfortunate double own goal against Liverpool, underscores his resilience and determination. Since Maresca assumed the helm as Leicester City’s new boss, Faes has played a pivotal role in the team’s defense, showcasing his skills as a ball-playing center-back often inciting plays in the opposition half.
Given his strong performances this season, it comes as no surprise that Faes has attracted interest from outside. Reports from TuttoMercatoWeb suggest that Atalanta is eyeing Faes as a potential addition to their backline as they seek to bolster their options at center-back during the upcoming transfer window.
Despite Atalanta’s interest, Leicester holds firm on their valuation of Faes, standing at approximately £15 million, the same figure they paid for him a year and a half ago. Moreover, Faes is tied to the club until the summer of 2027, further emphasizing Leicester’s resolve to retain his services.
Atalanta’s interest stems from their ambitions to strengthen their squad, particularly as they navigate the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League. Although they have identified a few alternatives, including Faes, for their defensive line, Leicester’s stance remains unwavering, emphasizing the significance of Faes to the team’s defensive setup.
While Maresca may have alternative options such as Conor Coady and Harry Souttar, Faes’ potential and comfort in possession align with the Italian manager’s preferred style of play. Faes’ continued progression and confidence, coupled with his potential to represent Belgium in EURO 2024, make him an essential figure for Leicester as they aspire for success in the future.
Ultimately, Faes’ commitment to Leicester aligns with the club’s unwavering support for his development, shaping a collective narrative where both parties stand to benefit from their continued collaboration.
