Mika Faye continues to be sought after and is no longer training with Barcelona

Mika Faye's potential departure from Barcelona is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing transfer stories of this summer.

The 20-year-old Senegalese center-back, who has been making a name for himself with impressive performances at the youth level, is now on the verge of a move away from the Catalan giants. This development comes as no surprise given the growing interest from various European clubs eager to secure his services.

According to Sport, a reputable Spanish sports daily, Mika Faye is no longer training with Barcelona’s first team under the guidance of Hansi Flick. This absence from training is a strong indicator that negotiations for his transfer are progressing rapidly. The decision to keep Faye out of regular team activities could also suggest that a move is imminent, as the club seeks to finalize the best possible deal without risking injury to the player.

The demand for Faye in the transfer market is significant, reflecting his potential and the impression he has made during his time with Barcelona’s B team. At just 20 years old, Faye has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years, both in his defensive duties and in his ability to contribute to the attack, as evidenced by his four goals in 35 appearances last season. These attributes have caught the eye of several clubs across Europe.

Among the interested parties, Rennes has emerged as a serious contender for Faye's signature. The French club, known for its strong youth development and recent success in Ligue 1, has reportedly made substantial progress in negotiations over the last few hours. Rennes sees Faye as a valuable addition to their defensive lineup, potentially filling the void left by other departures or adding depth as they aim to compete domestically and in European competitions.

Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most successful clubs, has also entered the race, reportedly submitting a €10 million offer for the young defender. This bid underscores Besiktas's ambition to bolster their squad with young talent as they look to reclaim their dominance in the Turkish Super Lig and make a mark in European competitions. A move to Besiktas would present Faye with a unique opportunity to play a leading role in a team with high expectations and passionate support.

In addition to Rennes and Besiktas, there are other clubs exploring the possibility of acquiring Faye on a loan basis. This option might appeal to Barcelona if they wish to retain some control over the player’s future while allowing him to gain valuable first-team experience elsewhere. A loan move could also be an attractive proposition for clubs that see potential in Faye but are not yet ready to commit to a permanent transfer.

FC Porto was another club that had expressed interest in signing Faye earlier in the window. The Portuguese giants have a strong track record of developing young talent and integrating them into their first team. However, the deal fell through due to the high valuation placed on Faye by Barcelona. Porto’s interest highlights the esteem in which the player is held across Europe, with clubs recognizing his potential to develop into a top-level defender.

Faye’s performances for Barcelona B last season have been a key factor in the widespread interest he is attracting. His ability to read the game, coupled with his physical presence and technical skills, has made him a standout player at the youth level. Scoring four goals as a central defender also showcases his threat on set-pieces, adding another dimension to his game that is highly valued by modern football clubs.

As the transfer window progresses, Mika Faye’s future will likely be resolved sooner rather than later. Whether he moves to Rennes, Besiktas, or another club, the deal will mark a significant step in his career. For Barcelona, letting go of Faye might be seen as a necessary move given their current squad needs and financial considerations. However, they may also regret losing a player of his potential, especially if he fulfills the promise he has shown in recent seasons.

The coming days will be crucial in determining where Faye ends up, and his next destination will undoubtedly be a place where he can continue his development and potentially emerge as one of Europe’s top young defenders.