Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi and even Marc Guiu, this season, FC Barcelona has once again relied on La Masia and its young talents to get out of complicated situations. Benefiting from a good generation that is emerging, the Catalan club also has in its ranks a Senegalese nugget who is slowly asserting himself with Mikayil Faye (19 years old). Young left-handed central defender (capable of playing left back) and considered a great hope in the country for a while (eighth finalist in the 2019 U17 World Cup at 15), he had particularly caught the eye of Reims before arrive in Catalonia. Trained in Diambars and left for Croatia with NK Kustošija, the man nicknamed “The Monster” finally signed a 4-year contract this summer with an XXL release clause of 400 million euros.
A 5 million euro bet which testifies to the great confidence of FC Barcelona in the young player given the financial situation of the Blaugrana club which was also in competition with Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund in this matter. Endowed with strong physical qualities and quality aerial play, the left also has great technical qualities, notably an ability to “drive the ball”. Made available to Barça Athletic in the Spanish third division, he quickly acclimatized with the team coached by Rafael Marquez. An indisputable starter and fielded 21 times, he has formed a solid duo with his compatriot Mamadou Mbacke since Pau Cubarsi joined the first team (he was formerly associated with the young Spaniard).
Lens tried to recruit him this winter
“Mika Faye? He is quite strong and intense, although he also has enough quality to take the ball out from behind. The first team? I think he’s a very talented player and in circumstances where someone might not be available, he can do a good job.” did not fail to highlight Rafael Marquez about him last September. Previously participating in the summer tour in North America, Mikayil Faye also had the opportunity to train with the first team even if he has still not been called up. Solid performances which have also piqued the interest of several teams this winter. We have also revealed to you the interests of Deportivo Alavés and Girona but also of Racing Club de Lens with a proposal of 9 million euros which was rejected.
Remaining at FC Barcelona who are counting on him, he is particularly in good shape in recent weeks and remains on goals against Rayo Majadahonda (3-1) and Cultural Leonesa (4-0). Once again, Rafael Marquez praised him: He has unique conditions that make him different from many. It has great potential: “he is fast, he is strong, he moves well with his head, he has a good left foot. Normally, you don’t find so many left-footed central defenders with both feet, so we have to continue to work on him. However, the Mexican believes that he still needs to rectify certain things to succeed at the next level: “I think he has the conditions, but maybe he needs a little more concentration. He doesn’t relax at certain moments of the game. But it’s an excellent profile to continue working on and I hope that one day he can have the opportunity in the first team. The future therefore looks promising between Mika Faye and FC Barcelona.
