Barcelona has officially announced their first summer signing, albeit with a twist. Mikayil Faye, an 18-year-old talent, will initially join the Barcelona Ateltic side before making his mark with the first team.
Faye’s journey brings him from NK Kustosija in the Croatian second division, where his team is battling in a relegation play-off to secure their spot. The young central defender is set to commit himself to Barcelona for a four-year contract, accompanied by an astounding buyout clause of €400m. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive football betting odds from Gclub.
Having made just 13 appearances in Croatia before catching Barcelona’s attention, Faye made his move in January from Diambars FC, his homeland Gambia’s pride. Hailing from Senegal, he has also represented the country’s under-17 national team. The club’s official website highlights Faye’s commendable ability to initiate plays from the back, showcasing his remarkable strength and speed as his standout qualities.
In an interview with the club’s media channel, Faye expressed his sheer joy, describing the opportunity as a dream turned into reality. He reminisced about having Barcelona posters adorning his room while growing up. Faye admitted his admiration for players such as Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique, but it was Javier Mascherano who particularly captivated him. Faye remarked, “He was tough, he didn’t give you anything.”
Although the exact transfer expenditure remains undisclosed, Marca suggests that Barcelona has invested approximately €1.5m for Faye’s services. Given the club’s ongoing financial challenges, the decision to acquire Faye reflects the scouts’ strong belief in his potential. It remains to be seen how Faye will adapt to the Catalan giants after experiencing two previous moves within a span of just six months, encompassing three drastically different locations.
Nevertheless, Faye’s journey to Barcelona embodies a testament to his talent and the faith placed in him by the club. As Barcelona navigates their financial difficulties, their investment in promising young talents like Faye signifies a commitment to building a sustainable future. Only time will tell if Faye can rise to the occasion and leave his mark in the iconic colors of Barcelona. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Gclub Sports.
