Leicester City defender draws surprising transfer interest from Barcelona

Leicester City might need to brace for a summer transfer approach from Spanish giants Barcelona, as recent claims suggest Foxes defender Wout Faes is on their list of targets.

The club is preparing for life back in the Premier League, but it has been a summer of ups and downs. Manager Enzo Maresca left to join Chelsea, prompting the recruitment of Steve Cooper as his replacement. Now, the club faces another potential challenge following their impressive promotion.

Spanish publication Fichajes reports that 27-time La Liga champions Barcelona, along with other top clubs, are eyeing Faes. The 26-year-old has drawn their attention due to ‘his ability to read the game, his forcefulness in duels, and his skill in initiating plays from the back.’

These traits are likened to those of club legend Carles Puyol, whom Faes admired during his youth. “Puyol was also a player he looked up to and he was another he was compared to because of the hair,” his father told The Athletic in 2022. Faes himself has admitted to having a replica of Puyol’s shirt hanging in his childhood room.

These links involving the Belgian international may come as a surprise, especially with Faes having further opportunities to prove his credentials on the international stage at Euro 2024. However, the financial feasibility of a deal might not suit Barcelona.

Leicester’s asking price, though not explicitly stated, is described as ‘an obstacle’ for the Spanish club, potentially alleviating the concerns of Foxes supporters.