Why Monaco are backing Wout Faes to shore up their defence | OneFootball

Monaco have signed Belgium defender Wout Faes, 27, on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy to shore up a depleted backline. The Reims centre-back arrives from Leicester and will wear number 25.

According to Nice-Matin, he arrived on Tuesday, completed his medical and the move was confirmed in the evening. Paperwork awaited from England prevented him training, but the Liège-born coach is counting on him for Friday night in the 18th round of Ligue 1.

Monaco are stretched by eight injuries, two suspensions and two Africa Cup of Nations call-ups. The club want greater solidity after conceding 40 goals in 25 matches, while Faes seeks rhythm and confidence with the World Cup in mind.

Faes debuted in the Premier League with Leicester in 2022, then endured relegation. He has played 135 times for the Foxes, his last outing was in late November, and he now totals 330 senior games. He has been left out of Belgium’s recent squads under Rudi Garcia, is an international since 2022 with 28 caps, and attended the last World Cup without playing.

Back in Ligue 1, former Reims coach David Guion remembers a quick learner who moved from a back three to a four and can cover across a back three. He says Faes solved early pace doubts through positioning, is nearing his peak and brings the personality and grit to tighten Monaco’s defence.

Source: Nice-Matin