Who is Mikayil Faye? The Barcelona prodigy wanted by Arsenal and Man Utd

Stuart Telford

• 7 Apr 2024 15:00 BST
• 3 min read

Mikayil Faye is the latest Barcelona academy graduate to explode onto the scene, and Arsenal are joined by a host of big name suitors for the recent Senegal international.

Faye joined Barcelona for just €1.5 million from Croatian outfit Kustosija last July, and was initially planned for the for their Atletic B team.

But this year he has made La Liga matchday squads against Las Palmas and Real Mallorca, and was handed his Senegal debut against Gabon last month, hitting stunning long-range goal in a 3-0 win.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

With Barca still wrestling with a debt which stands at €1.2 billion, they are willing to cash in on the 19-year-old, and various reports suggest they would accept in the region of €30m for the player - a fee Arsenal and Manchester United might be happy to meet…

What position does Faye play in?

Faye is a left-footed defender who has played centrally or at left-back in his short time with Barca. He is versatile, though. Barca stick to rigidly to 4-3-3 throughout their age group teams up to the seniors, but Faye's international debut came on the left of a back three.

How good is Matt Faye?

Faye is an athletic 5'11" who has been nicknamed "The Monster" by his teammates. He has a wicked shot on him, proving his Senegal goal was no fluke with a thunderous free-kick for Barca B against Osasuna a week later.

"Yes, he's already played in some friendly matches," head coach Xavi told Spanish media. "He's a capable footballer, he's aggressive, fast, he can get the ball out well. He could help us at some point. He has the level, without a doubt."

READ MORE: Barcelona's 10 best transfers of all time

What clubs are interested in Faye?

Ligue 1 pair Marseille and Reims tried to sign Faye when Barca won the race to his signature last summer, and now the scale of club interested in his talents has increased.

As well as Arsenal and Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly sent scouts to watch him in recent weeks and months.

When does Faye's contract expire?

Faye is under contract until 30 June 2027 at Camp Nou.

How old is Faye?

Faye was born on 14 July 2004, making him 19 at the time of writing.

What is Faye's Instagram?

Faye's Instagram can be found under the handle @mikayilfaye. He has 383k followers as of April 2024.