Manchester United to battle Bayer Leverkusen, other European giants for 19-year-old Senegalese starlet from Barcelona

Mikayil Faye on his international debut against Gabon | Instagram

Manchester United to battle Bayer Leverkusen, other European giants for 19-year-old Senegalese starlet from Barcelona

Ayoola Kelechi 23:59 - 24.03.2024

The Barcelona star recently scored on his international debut for Senegal with a screamer

Manchester United has set its sights on Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye, intensifying their pursuit of the promising 19-year-old talent. However, they face stiff competition from Bayer Leverkusen and other top European clubs in the race to secure Faye's signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Scouting and Interest from Manchester United

United scouts have been closely monitoring Mikayil Faye's progress for the past three months, with keen interest sparked by the young Senegalese star's impressive performances.

Faye's recent international debut for Senegal, where he scored a stunning goal against Gabon, further elevated his profile and captured the attention of top clubs across Europe.

Faye's Background and Attributes

Hailing from the Diambars Academy in Senegal, Faye has caught the eye with his athleticism, physicality, and technical ability. Capable of playing as a left-back or center-back, his versatility makes him an enticing prospect for clubs in need of defensive reinforcements.

Despite Barcelona's rejection of previous offers from clubs like Nice and Lens, interest in Faye continues to escalate among elite European sides. Barcelona's financial considerations may force them to reconsider serious offers for the talented youngster, opening the door for potential suitors.

Manchester United's Defensive Requirements

Manchester United's pursuit of Faye is driven by their need for defensive reinforcements, particularly at left-back and center-back. Injuries to key players like Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw have highlighted the club's vulnerability in defense, prompting a search for young and robust options.

Faye's style of play draws comparisons to Lisandro Martinez, albeit with added size and attacking threat. With a potential transfer fee of around £25 million, Faye presents a cost-effective and versatile option for Manchester United, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives like Jarrad Branthwaite.

Competition from Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen, led by former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, are also eager to secure Faye's services. As Bundesliga leaders, Leverkusen is determined to bolster their squad ahead of next season's Champions League campaign, potentially posing a significant challenge to Manchester United's pursuit of the Senegalese starlet.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the competition for Mikayil Faye's signature intensifies. With both Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen vying for his talents, the coming months could prove pivotal in determining Faye's future destination and the trajectory of his burgeoning career.

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