Stade Rennais have decided to retain Mikayil Faye for the 2025–26 season, with coach Habib Beye confirming the 20-year-old Senegalese centre-back will remain part of his squad plans despite a challenging debut year in Brittany.
Faye joined Rennes from FC Barcelona last summer in a €10.3 million move amid high expectations. However, his adaptation was far from seamless. Despite early promise, the defender managed just 12 appearances across all competitions—seven of which were starts in Ligue 1—before fading from the starting lineup.
Faye admitted the transition was difficult: “To be honest, it was a bit complicated at first. I had just arrived in a new country, a new league. Everything was new to me, except the language.”
A Season Encumbered by Change
The young centre-back’s struggles were compounded by extraordinary managerial upheaval. Rennes went through three head coaches over the campaign—Julien Stéphan, then Jorge Sampaoli, and finally Habib Beye.
Such instability disrupted the developmental pathway for a player arriving into an already demanding environment. Faye said of the experience: “It’s not ideal for a young player. But I’m a professional, it’s up to me to adapt. Habib saved us from relegation. It was an intense first experience in a team. You grow ten years older.”
Despite limited minutes under Beye, the coach has articulated a long-term vision for Faye. According to L’Equipe, Beye intends to deploy him primarily as cover for Mahamadou Nagida at left-back—a significant shift demonstrating the club’s intent to harness Faye’s versatility and physical profile.
Faye’s Reaction to Limited Play
When asked about his frustration at being sidelined, Faye responded candidly but with determination. “Well, of course. All footballers want to play! But the coach makes his choices, which I respect. It’s up to me to fight to earn his trust.
I fight every day in training.” His readiness to accept a secondary role and willingness to work for opportunities underscores a maturity beyond his years.
Shaking off Transfer Buzz
Earlier this year, rumours linked Faye with a move to Fenerbahçe. Yet he remains under contract in Brittany through 2028, with a current market valuation estimated at €6 million. Faye himself dismissed the speculation as noise, saying: “Any news about my future? I think it’s just for the clicks. You also have to understand the world we live in today.”
Focused on Growth and Future Goals
Refocusing on his professional development, Faye has expressed a clear set of priorities. He acknowledged concentration as a key area for defensive improvement: “A top-level defender has to work on that a lot. I think I’ve improved.”
Faye’s aspiration to one day play in the Premier League reflects both ambition and self-belief, though he remains pragmatic: “Every good defender dreams of playing in the Premier League one day. But I don’t have a preference.”
Rennes’ Long-Term Approach
Rennes’ decision to trust Faye with a revised role underlines the club’s commitment to blending youthful promise with seasoned support. With Nagida firmly established as first-choice left-back, Faye’s adaptation to this position could pave a clearer path to regular minutes next season.
Beye’s tactical reshuffle also suggests a more thoughtful integration plan—offering Faye structured competition rather than forcing him into an overcrowded centre-back rotation.
What Lies Ahead
Faye is expected to spend the remainder of the season integrating mentally and tactically into Beye’s system, learning left-back responsibilities while polishing his defensive fundamentals. Rennes fans and staff alike will be watching pre-season closely to see how he adapts to a position new to him.
If he can capitalise on his size, mobility, and improved concentration, Faye may soon be seen as a valuable asset rather than a work-in-progress.
With his contract secured, youth on his side, and a coach showing faith in his versatility, the foundations are in place for a pivotal season—one that could define both his and Rennes’ futures.
