Barca defender Mikayil Faye targeted by Arsenal
The Senegal international is attracting interest from Bayern, United, Liverpool, and more.
BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye could leave Barça’s academy as president Joan Laporta searches for funds. Faye is seeing interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, United, and more.
Faye is one of the hottest prospects coming out of La Masia. Faye will reportedly stay with Barça for the time being, with a decision on his future to be made after their preseason tour to the United States. New head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco will make a decision on Faye after watching him play against first-team opponents.
Despite Faye’s precociousness, technical ability, and physical stature, Barca are in dire need of funds. Insiders from Barcelona are unsure about whether they can register Flick’s new coaching staff, bring in new players, or even register contract extensions with LaLiga. The rumored $21.5 million price tag Faye carries would be a lifesaver.
Faye is also buried in Barca’s depth chart. Barca currently employs superstars Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and 17-year-old wunderkind Pau CubarsÃ. He would either need a huge breakout year or years of development to sniff playing time with the Blaugrana.
Top-tier teams such as Arsenal are inquiring about his availability going into the 2023/24 season, while United, Liverpool, and United are reportedly interested in Faye’s stance of potentially staying in Barca’s academy. Lens submitted a $10 million bid for Faye in the winter transfer window, but Barca’s asking price is expected to skyrocket.
Compared to City’s Nathan Ake, Faye is a left-footed defender who doubles as both a center-back and a left-back. He stands at 6’1 and appears very muscular. Some of his most impressive qualities are his athleticism and an incredible ability to read offenses and pick off passes.
The 19-year-old will join the Senegal national team as they face DR Congo and Mauritania in a pair of vital World Cup qualifying matches.