Senegal defender Abdoulaye Faye on course for first La Liga experience with Celta Vigo

Abdoulaye Faye is close to joining Celta Vigo on loan for the 2026/27 season after an agreement in principle was reached with Bayer Leverkusen, according to Metropolitano.

The move would give the 21-year-old Senegal international his first opportunity to play in La Liga, as he continues to build his career at the highest level. Faye, a left-footed central defender, is regarded as a player with significant potential and is expected to continue his development in Spain.

Bayer Leverkusen signed Faye from Swedish club BK Hacken in the summer of 2025. The defender remains under contract with the German club until June 2030, meaning the proposed loan would form part of a longer-term plan for his progression rather than a permanent departure.

Faye spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at FC Lorient. He made 19 appearances for the French club, gaining valuable playing time in a demanding league and adding to his experience in senior football.

That spell in France was viewed as an important stage in his development. Regular involvement with FC Lorient allowed Faye to adapt to the physical and competitive demands of top-level football while continuing to establish himself as a promising young defender.

He returned to Germany this summer and was involved in Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season preparations. Faye played in two friendly matches, starting one of them, indicating that the club remains attentive to his progress and continues to assess his readiness for a bigger role.

Despite being included in the first-team group during pre-season, Bayer Leverkusen’s preference is reportedly for Faye to spend another season gaining experience on loan. A move to Celta Vigo would provide him with a competitive environment in which to develop further and seek greater consistency in senior football.

The proposed transfer would also allow Faye to test himself in a league known for its technical quality. At Celta Vigo, he would have the chance to experience a different style of football while continuing to strengthen his understanding of the defensive position.

For the Senegal international, the switch would represent another significant step after his season with FC Lorient. It would also give him the opportunity to face the demands of Spanish football at a club competing in one of Europe’s leading domestic leagues.

Bayer Leverkusen’s objective remains to help Faye return to Germany as a more mature and experienced player. The German club ultimately wants the young defender to develop sufficiently to challenge for a lasting place in its squad.

The loan has yet to be formally completed, but the agreement in principle means Faye is now close to beginning the next stage of his career with Celta Vigo.