Portuguese giants FC Porto are reportedly ready to offer €15 million to sign 19-year-old Senegalese centre-back Mikayil Faye from Barcelona this summer.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mikayil Faye is the subject of interest from FC Porto. The Portuguese giants are keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. And they have prepared a bid worth €15 million to sign the 19-year-old Barcelona defensive sensation.
Mikayil Faye and his impact at Barcelona
Mikayil Faye has been excellent since joining Barcelona from NK Kustosija last summer. The Senegalese international was the talk of the town this time last year, with several high-profile clubs vying for his signature. However, Barcelona won the race to secure his services, beating Chelsea to the youngster.
Faye could not establish a foothold in the first-team squad at the Catalan club in the 2023/24 season. However, the 19-year-old was exceptional for Barcelona Atletic, chipping in with four goals in 34 appearances for the reserve side. Meanwhile, the young centre-back has broken into his national team, making his debut in March 2024.
Faye’s progress at FC Barcelona has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Recent reports have linked the teenage defensive sensation with European bigwigs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund. However, FC Porto might be his next destination.
Set for a summer departure?
FC Porto’s interest in Mikayil Faye is understandable. The Portuguese giants are scouring the market for a centre-back due to Pepe’s advancing age. The veteran defender is on the wrong side of 40 and in the twilight of his career. So, it behoves the UEFA Champions League regulars to invest in a young centre-back who can learn the ropes from Pepe before becoming the first-choice defender.
Faye has thus emerged as a viable target for FC Porto, with the Portuguese giants ready to offer €15 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window. While it is unclear if the bid will be enough to seal the deal, Barcelona might accept a permanent transfer.
The Catalan giants want to include a buyback clause in the deal to sell the 19-year-old to control his future. So, it will be interesting to see if a bid worth €15 million is enough for FC Porto to secure Mikayil Faye’s services in the summer transfer window.
