Barcelona Young Talent Mikayil Faye Draws Interest from Lens in Ligue 1

The future of Mikayil Faye could be moving away from FC Barcelona. The young center-back, born in 2004 and signed just this summer for Barcelona’s B team, has attracted interest from several clubs. The latest of them is Lens from Ligue 1, currently holding the eighth position in the league.

According to transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano, Lens has submitted a formal offer to Barcelona to secure the services of Mika Faye. The proposed deal involves a loan with a mandatory purchase option at the end of the season, valued at 8-9 million euros.

However, Barcelona has consistently maintained a firm stance regarding the future of this young prospect, rejecting all offers received so far. It’s worth noting that the defender’s contract ties him to the Catalan club until 2027.

Barcelona invested 1.5 million euros in the summer to secure Faye’s signing from NK Kustosija in Croatia. While Faye has been called up by Xavi Hernandez on numerous occasions to train with the first team, he has yet to make his debut with the senior squad, although he did participate in the preseason tour in the United States.

Girona’s keen interest

Girona is one of the teams closely monitoring the Senegalese central defender. LaLiga’s current leader needs reinforcement in the center of the defense, and Faye’s name is on the agenda of Girona’s sports management. In this case, he could follow the paths of Pablo Torre and Eric Garcia, who moved to northern Catalonia on loan. Barcelona, on the other hand, is cautious not to risk the player falling into the hands of the City Group.

It’s not just Michel’s team that is keeping an eye on Mika Faye. His performances have also caught the attention in Europe, particularly in the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund attempted to sign him last summer.

A key figure for Márquez

In his first year in Catalonia’s capital, Mika Faye has become an immovable player in the central defense of Barcelona Atlètic. Rafa Márquez has unwavering faith in the Senegalese, often pairing him with another Senegalese, Mamadou Mbacke, who also arrived this year, albeit on loan from Los Angeles FC.

The Mexican coach has fielded him in 17 appearances, all as a starter in the Primera RFEF Group I. He has been present in every match except for three, due to suspensions: one for a double yellow card, one for an accumulation of cards, and one for a direct red card. In total, he has accumulated 1,478 minutes with the Barcelona B team.

However, for Xavi, Pau Cubarsí has moved ahead of the Senegalese and has already played four games with the first team, two in the league and two in the Copa del Rey. Additionally, there is the potential return of Chadi Riad on loan from Betis.