Barcelona confirmed the signing of Senegal’s 18-year-old star Mikayil Ngor Faye from Croatian club NK Kustosija to their youth team on June 19.
He was part of the Senegal team for the 2019 FFIA U-17 World Cup in Poland where the Young Teranga Lions reached the round of 16.
He played in the Croatian top-flight last season with a goal to his name in 13 games, but he could not help the team avoid relegation as they lost their two-legged relegation playoff.
Where is Mikayil Faye from?
He hails from Sedhiou in the Southwest region of Senegal. He played rose through the youth ranks of Diambars FC de Saly who play in the Senegalese National League 1.
Diambars FC was founded in 2003 by former France and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira and a number of former players.
How many games did Faye play for Senegal?
The 18-year-old centre-back is yet to make his senior debut for the Teranga Lions but he played for the Senegal U17 team in 2019.
He started his international career during the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Tanzania where he played in all three group games.
Senegal managed to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil after Guinea were disqualified for falsification of players’ documents.
In Brazil, Faye played in every game for the Young Teranga Lions before their round of 16 exit.
What are the details in Faye’s contract?
The 18-year-old penned a four-year deal in Catalonia that will keep him in the club until 2027.
Faye also has a release clause of €400 million in his contract.
Will Faye play for Barcelona next season?
The Senegal youth international was signed by Barcelona Atletic, the youth team of La Liga champions and he has a bright chance of playing for Xavi Hernandez’s team next season, if called upon.
What makes Faye stand out in defence?
The former Diambars FC youth star is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back or left-back.
He also boasts of great ball-winning skills as well as speed that helps him beat his markers.
