Belgian defender Wout Faes featured in Thursday’s Nations League clash against Italy, but his performance has sparked concern in the Belgian media.
Despite Leicester City’s struggles, the international break came at a pivotal moment for the club after enduring a four-match winless streak across all competitions.
Leicester City fans are growing increasingly frustrated, with many calling for manager Steve Cooper to be sacked following the club’s latest defeat to Manchester United. The pressure is mounting as Leicester sit just three points above 18th-place Crystal Palace, leaving their Premier League survival hanging in the balance.
One player who could be on the move in January is Wout Faes, whose form has been a concern both for Leicester City and Belgium. While he has displayed moments of solid defending under Steve Cooper, Faes has often undone his good work with costly mistakes—something that was on display in Belgium’s recent match. With his performances under scrutiny, a potential departure from Leicester in the upcoming transfer window seems increasingly likely.
Belgian media have delivered a ‘worrying’ verdict on Wout Faes following Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Italy in the Nations League. Despite the importance of the match, Faes struggled defensively, continuing a trend of shaky performances for his country. This follows his underwhelming display in October’s previous encounter with Italy, raising concerns about his form ahead of the crucial relegation play-offs. For Leicester City fans, the verdict on Faes will only add to existing doubts about his consistency this season.
Following Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to Italy, Wout Faes received harsh criticism from Belgian media, with Walfoot describing his performance as “worrying” and giving him a low rating of 4.5/10. They noted that while Faes showed confidence at times, his inconsistency was glaring, with moments of uncertainty and a major mistake that was luckily nullified by an offside call. Voetbal Primeur gave him a slightly higher 5/10, acknowledging that while he didn’t make any glaring errors, his overall performance was uninspiring. His missed opportunity to score in the final moments further highlighted his struggles, and both outlets questioned his ability to consistently perform at a high level. These critiques only add to the concerns surrounding Faes’ form, both for Belgium and Leicester City.
Leicester City should consider cashing in on Wout Faes while his value remains high, especially given his inconsistent performances this season. Despite being a regular starter under Steve Cooper, Faes’ tendency to make costly mistakes at crucial moments could prove problematic in Leicester’s fight for survival. Juventus scouts were reportedly watching Faes during Belgium’s recent match against Italy, and a move to Serie A could be an ideal opportunity for the Belgian international. The slower pace of Italian football might suit Faes’ style, reducing the pressure on him defensively and allowing him to thrive in a more controlled environment.
Wout Faes’ career trajectory could indeed follow a similar path to that of Chris Smalling, who struggled in the Premier League but found success in Serie A with Roma. The Italian league has often been a refuge for defenders who have faced difficulties in England, as its slower pace and tactical nature allow them to thrive. Faes, at 26, still has plenty of potential, and depending on how his season unfolds, Leicester City may look to cash in on him next summer. If his performances improve and his value rises, a move to a club like Juventus could be a great opportunity for both him and Leicester.