FC Barcelona: Mikayil Faye, so what happens next?

Nobody talks to Mikayil Faye about his age. At 19, and without a single professional appearance for Barça, the newly capped Senegal international intends to force his club's hand with his fine performances and take the next step. With the number of clubs monitoring his situation, the case of the Lion of Teranga is becoming a priority for Barça.

Avoid a repeat of Xavi Simons or Kubo. FC Barcelona should not make the mistake of losing a talent like Mikayil Faye. Signed for 1.5 million euros from Croatian club NK Kustosija to strengthen the Barça B squad, the player who came through at Diambars quickly impressed the coaching staff and became an essential part of the Catalan club's reserve side. But football has changed now, as Kylian Mbappé pointed out. When you are good, age is irrelevant: you should play. Lamine Yamal is proof, having joined the Barça first team along with Pau Cubarsi. Mikayil Faye wants to make it in the colours of the Blaugrana. Under contract until 2027, he wants a chance to win a place. On his first Senegal cap last Friday, he needed just 44 minutes on the pitch to fire in a majestic strike against Gabon (3-0) in a friendly, right from his debut with the Lions. That is enough to send a message to his club's decision-makers. Impressive at left-back, Faye is a modern defender who can play wide or in central defence.

 

Join the first team or go out on loan

A versatile player with real technical ease when playing out from the back. Physical maturity to hold his own in duels already. A personality and leadership that stand out at his age. It is hard to imagine Barça thinking of parting with such a player. But it would also be naive to believe that Mikayil Faye will be content to play for the youth sides for another season. While the 400 million euro release clause protects the Catalan club, several suitors are already ready to invest to land this prospect. Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and RC Lens are all in the mix. No less! To ward off these temptations, Barça will need to think about bringing him into the first team for next season. The club's decision-makers will have to consider keeping him and giving him a definitive launch as a full member of the squad, or using the loan option. Sending the player to another club so he can develop through regular game time is a possibility that could be interesting for the Senegalese international.

 

Take the risk of asking for a transfer?

Having had a taste of international football and made such a strong impression on his first cap, Mikayil Faye may already have the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025 on his mind. In an area where Lions coach Aliou Cissé does not have many certainties, with some players underperforming, short of playing time, or nearing the end of their careers, this desire to rejuvenate the team could work in the defender's favour. If there is a stalemate with Barça, Mikayil Faye could, in an extreme situation, ask to leave the club and try a new adventure. This young player is quite capable of it, given he had the courage to leave Diambars and turn down a move to Olympique de Marseille. With the offers on his agent's table, he will be spoilt for choice. With such a hefty release clause, the Catalan club will need to be open to a departure. In financial difficulty for several seasons, Barça need to sell to afford certain high-profile signings. Collecting a few tens of millions for a player who has not yet played a professional match could be an option worth considering. One thing is certain: Barça and Mikayil Faye will have to sit down and talk, because there will be plenty to say this summer about the future of this relationship.