Mikayil Faye has refuted speculation over a possible departure from Stade Rennais, insisting he remains committed to the club and is focused on preparing for the season ahead.
The 20-year-old Senegalese defender has been the subject of transfer rumours in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Rennes could offload him during the upcoming window following a modest number of appearances this campaign.
However, Faye moved swiftly to deny any intention of leaving Brittany, making clear his satisfaction with life at the club.
“I read it every day, like you do,” he said in response to the speculation. “Sometimes I laugh about it. One thing is certain—I’m happy at Stade Rennais.
I’m focused on the last two matches of the season and then I’ll enjoy a proper rest before returning to prepare for next season in the best possible way. The rumours? I think it’s all just clickbait.”
Faye joined Rennes from FC Barcelona in a transfer worth just over €10 million, following a spell of limited opportunities with the Catalan giants’ senior side.
His time at Barcelona saw him remain on the fringes of the first-team setup, despite being highly regarded as a prospect within the club’s youth ranks.
The move to Ligue 1 was intended to give the young centre-back greater exposure to top-flight football. Included in the transfer deal was a buy-back clause set at €25 million, along with a 30% sell-on fee for Barcelona, indicating the Spanish club’s continued interest in the player’s development.
Since his arrival in Rennes, Faye has featured 11 times in the league—a modest tally that sparked speculation about his future role in the team.
The limited minutes, combined with increasing competition within the Rennes back line, had led to suggestions the club could be open to selling him as part of their summer restructuring.
Despite these external narratives, Faye’s comments make clear he is far from unsettled.
His calm and collected response to the situation reflects a maturity beyond his years and a determination to fight for his place at the club.
His lack of playing time has not diminished his value in the eyes of Rennes’ technical staff, who view the Senegal international as a long-term investment.
At just 20, Faye has already gained valuable experience in a competitive league and remains one of the club’s most promising defensive assets.
As Stade Rennais prepare for the conclusion of their Ligue 1 campaign, Faye’s focus is firmly on the pitch.
With two crucial fixtures remaining, the team continues to push for a strong finish, and Faye is aiming to end the season on a positive note before turning his attention to next year.
His message is unambiguous—despite the whispers of an early exit, Mikayil Faye is not going anywhere.
