Senegalese defender Mikayil Ngor Faye is on the verge of completing a transfer from FC Barcelona to Stade Rennais, with a medical examination scheduled for this weekend in Brittany. The highly-rated 20-year-old, considered one of the brightest young prospects in African football, is expected to make the switch after finalizing terms with the Ligue 1 club.
Having bid farewell to his Barcelona teammates on Friday, Faye is now set to take the next step in his burgeoning career.
Stade Rennais is reportedly close to securing his services for a fee of €12 million, a significant investment in a player who has spent time developing within Barcelona’s prestigious youth system.
As part of the deal, Barça has negotiated a €35 million buyout clause, reflecting the high regard in which the Catalan club holds Faye, despite his impending departure.
Faye will undergo his medical examination on Saturday, August 24, marking the final hurdle before signing a long-term contract with Rennes.
The transfer has been in the works for some time, with both clubs involved in protracted negotiations to finalize the terms of the deal.
For Rennes, Faye represents a major acquisition.
His defensive abilities have drawn attention from numerous clubs across Europe, but it is the French side that has moved swiftly to secure his signature.
The club hopes that Faye will strengthen their backline as they aim for success in domestic and European competitions.
Faye’s arrival in Ligue 1 is seen as a significant step in his career.
The young defender has been tipped for a bright future, and his move to Stade Rennais offers him the opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
While he departs Barcelona without having broken into the senior squad, the Spanish giants remain invested in his progress, as reflected by the substantial buyout clause inserted into the deal.
The transfer marks the end of Faye’s time at Barcelona, a period during which he developed within the club’s renowned La Masia academy.
Though he leaves without having made an appearance for the first team, his performances at youth level have highlighted his potential to become a top-tier defender.
Now, Rennes will be counting on him to deliver on that promise as they look to bolster their defensive options for the coming season.
As Faye prepares to complete his move to France, all eyes will be on his integration into Ligue 1 and whether he can live up to the high expectations placed upon him.
