Besiktas Targeting Leicester City’s Wout Faes

Besiktas' fans celebrate their 2016-2017 Turkish league champion title after the Turkish Spor Toto Super league football match between Besiktas and Osmanlispor near the Vodafone Park stadium on June 3, 2017 in Istanbul. / AFP PHOTO / YASIN AKGUL (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)

Leicester City’s key defender, Wout Faes, has emerged as a transfer target for Turkish giants Besiktas as the summer transfer window draws to a close.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old Belgian international is on the shortlist of the Turkish club, which is actively seeking defensive reinforcements.

Faes has been a crucial part of Leicester’s defense since his arrival from Reims in 2022. With over 120 appearances for the club and 28 caps for the Belgian national team, he brings a wealth of experience.

Despite his importance to the team, a move overseas now appears to be a possibility.

The transfer speculation comes as Leicester City is dealing with a flurry of player movements following their relegation to the Championship.

The Foxes have already seen Wilfred Ndidi join Besiktas and Mads Hermansen move to West Ham United. There are also concerns that other players like Bilal El Khannouss and Abdul Fatawu could be sold, making it difficult for the club to find suitable replacements amid financial concerns.

Faes, however, remains a vital piece of the puzzle for new manager Marti Cifuentes, having started in both of Leicester’s opening two Championship fixtures.

His commitment has not wavered despite the transfer rumors; he scored the winning goal in the season opener against Sheffield Wednesday and provided an assist in the recent loss to Preston.

Besiktas is also reportedly looking at Danilho Doekhi of Union Berlin, but their interest in Faes is clear.

For Leicester fans, losing a player known for his defensive stability and fighting spirit would be a significant blow, especially with limited time left in the transfer window to secure a replacement.