Incorporated into Barça’s reserve team last summer, 19-year-old Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye has reached a new milestone with the Catalan club.
Ever-present since his arrival (22 matches, 22 starts in Primera Federacion) from NK Kustosija last July for a modest fee of 1.5 million euros, Mikayil Faye has caught the eye of Xavi, the coach of the Blaugrana’s first team. As evidence, the 1.86m central defender has been included in the professional squad for the first time for Friday’s match against Mallorca, opening the 28th round of Liga.
It appears that the Catalan club sees him as a part of their future plans. Moreover, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the club has already rejected a €9 million offer from OGC Nice in January to retain their gem, who has scored two goals in the Spanish third division. It remains to be seen whether the Sedhiou native will continue his progression with the first team next season or be sent on loan to gain playing time.
In the meantime, this promotion could give ideas to the Senegal national team coach, Aliou Cissé. Just extended at the helm of the Lions, the 47-year-old coach would be wise to call up the talented left-footer to inject some freshness, especially amidst criticism for relying too much on players nearing the end of their careers.
Ahead of the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in June, the friendly matches against Gabon and Benin on March 22nd and 26th seem like ideal opportunities for experimentation. It could be the perfect occasion to give a chance to someone who has all the makings of becoming the Lions’ future defensive star. This is a story to follow closely…
