Mikayil FAYE

Versatile Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye was born in Sédhiou in 2004, and began his footballing journey as a youth at the renowned Diambars Academy, where he was developed along with compatriot Bamba Dieng between 2019 and 2022. In 2022, he would sign his first professional contract with Croatian side, NK Kustošija, albeit he would have to wait until March 8th 2023 to make his debut, against HNK Orijent. His first goal in professional came on 22nd May 2023 against NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac. At the end of that season, after just 14 appearances in Croatia, Faye was picked up by Barcelona Atlétic, and he signed a four-year deal for the Catalan giants' reserve team. He would end up making 35 appearances for them, scoring four goals. Senegalese international, he started out in 2019 with the U17s, before making his senior bow with Senegal in 2024, even scoring on his debut in a match against Gabon. The promising youngster attracted the attention of several big clubs, of which Stade Rennais would see their offer of 10.3 Million Euros with 4 Million Euros in potential bonuses accepted by the Catalans at the end of the 2024 Summer transfer window. The four-year deal, signed on 24th August 2024, included a 30% sell-on commission, and a buy-back clause of 25 Million Euros for Barcelona, depending on Faye's progression in Brittany. Faye's stay at Rennes was disappointing, both on and off the field, making just 8 starts in a Rennes shirt. Having made just 13 appearances (8 starts) for the club, On 1st September, the Senegalese defender was loaned with a buyout option at around 11 Million Euros to Cremonese in Italy.