Senegal defender Abdoulaye Faye leaves Bayer for season-long loan spell at Celta Vigo

Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye is set to spend the 2026-27 season on loan at Spanish side Celta Vigo after Bayer Leverkusen agreed a temporary deal for the 21-year-old centre-back.

According to reports in Spain, later confirmed by transfer expert Matteo Moretto and Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the two clubs have finalised a one-year loan agreement, with no option to buy included in the deal.

Faye is expected to undergo a medical examination this weekend before completing the move to the La Liga club.

Another loan spell for Senegal international

The defender joined Bayer Leverkusen from Swedish side BK Häcken last summer in a deal worth around €2.7 million, but is still waiting to make his first senior appearance for the Bundesliga champions.

Instead, the German club opted to send the Senegalese youngster out on loan to French side Lorient last season, where he gained valuable experience in Ligue 1.

Faye featured in 17 league matches during his spell in France, helping him continue his development at the highest level.

Bayer retain long-term faith

Although he is set to spend another season away from Germany, Bayer Leverkusen remain committed to Faye’s long-term future.

The centre-back is under contract until 2030, highlighting the club’s confidence in his potential despite his lack of first-team opportunities so far.

The move to Celta Vigo will offer the Senegal international another chance to gain regular playing time and further his development in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Fresh challenge in La Liga

For Faye, the switch to Spain represents the latest step in a career that has already taken him from Sweden to Germany and France.

Celta Vigo will hope the young defender can strengthen their back line as they prepare for the new La Liga campaign, while Bayer will closely monitor his progress ahead of a possible return to the BayArena in the future.