Barça Makes Bold Move on Mika Faye’s Future

The sports management has outlined his role amidst a surge of offers and interests for the African talent Xavi is set to hand him his official debut with the first team this season Xavi: “Mika Faye has the level to help us” Kind words from Xavi Hernández towards center-back Mika Faye / EFE

Mika Faye is one of the standout players from the Blaugrana academy attracting significant interest in the international market despite not having officially debuted with the first team yet. His performances with the reserves have caught attention, and his successful debut with Senegal’s national team has further elevated his status. Barça has made a decisive move regarding Faye’s future: he won’t be sold or loaned out, and the intention is for him to be part of the upcoming project wearing the first-team shirt to solidify his place in the elite.

There was debate within the club regarding the decision on Faye’s future. The center-back was signed last summer from a modest club in Croatia, and his arrival has been a sensation. Barça showed faith in him by paying €2 million and signing him for four seasons with a release clause of €400 million. He is more than secured. Faye will continue to be vital for the reserves in their promotion push, although the plan is for Xavi to hand him his first-team debut when the opportunity arises. He was included in the squad a few days ago against UD Las Palmas, although he didn’t play, but he will get minutes. This is a gesture the club wishes to make towards the player to reassure him of their commitment.

Both Faye and his camp believe that his time with the Blaugrana reserves should come to an end by the end of the season. This is because the player has started receiving interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Juventus, or Arsenal. He fits the Premier League profile well, but he also has other interesting options such as Girona – potentially in the Champions League – Lens, Nice, or Borussia Dortmund. The club is aware that lucrative offers will come in, but the determination is clear: he will neither be sold nor loaned out.

His left-footed profile makes him a crucial asset for the future, and Barça is convinced he can make the jump to the first team smoothly. He won’t just participate in the preseason of the new project in the United States; the intention is to adjust his contract, potentially extending it for another year, and he will have a squad number from the outset. Both Faye and his entourage were waiting anxiously because if Barça didn’t take the step, they were prepared to leave the club to continue his career in La Liga.

Faye’s promotion will lead to consequences due to the overstock of center-backs Barça will have from June onwards. The first is that both Lenglet and Eric Garcia must leave without fail after their loan spells. The plan is not to count on them. Offers may also be entertained for other center-backs, with three players on the radar: Íñigo Martínez, Christensen, and Koundé. Despite recalling Faye, the club is also determined to bring back Chadi Riad by exercising the buy-back option. There will be a true revolution at the back with young talents and the clear untouchables, Pau Cubarsí and Araujo.