Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye appears poised to leave Stade Rennais this summer following a disappointing first season with the Ligue 1 club.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who joined Rennes in the summer of 2024, has struggled to establish himself in the team and now faces the prospect of an early exit despite signing a contract that runs until 2028.
Faye’s performances have failed to meet expectations, and a lack of consistent playing time under head coach Habib Beye has further cast doubt over his future in Brittany.
Once regarded as a highly promising talent, Faye’s arrival at Rennes came with significant anticipation, particularly given his development background at FC Barcelona.
However, his time in France has been marked by physical challenges and fluctuating form, limiting his contributions on the pitch.
Since Beye’s appointment as manager, Faye has featured in only two matches, a clear indication that he has not cemented a place in the coach’s long-term plans.
Sources close to the club suggest that Beye, who initially held optimistic views about the player’s potential, has since reconsidered.
While Faye was expected to progress rapidly and become a key figure in Rennes’ defensive line, his inability to adapt has led to internal discussions regarding a potential departure.
A permanent transfer is reportedly being explored, but a loan move has also been floated as a more likely short-term solution, especially if no suitable buyers meet Rennes’ valuation of the player.
Faye is currently estimated to be worth around €8 million on the market, a figure that could deter some interested clubs unless a loan option is included.
This possible departure would mark a setback in Faye’s young career, which began with promise during his time at Barcelona’s youth setup.
Though he did not break into the Catalan club’s first team, the experience was seen as a valuable stepping stone before his move to Ligue 1.
Rennes viewed the signing as an investment in youth with long-term upside, but just one season in, the gamble has not paid off.
The decision to part ways comes at a time when Rennes are looking to reinforce their squad with players ready to make an immediate impact, particularly in defense.
With Faye not meeting that standard, both the club and the player may now benefit from a clean break or a loan spell elsewhere to regain form and confidence.
Faye’s potential departure would likely open space for a more experienced or physically reliable defender in Rennes’ ranks, while offering the young Senegalese an opportunity to relaunch his career in a less pressurised environment.
As the summer transfer window approaches, discussions around Faye’s future are expected to intensify, with Rennes actively weighing their options.
Whether through a transfer or a loan, Mikayil Faye’s time in Rennes looks increasingly likely to end after just one challenging season.
