Barcelona receive €10 million offer for 20-year-old defensive talent

According to SPORT, Besiktas have made an offer of approximately €10 million for Mikayil Faye. However, Barcelona are holding out for a higher figure, aiming to secure around €15 million, although achieving this amount seems to be a complicated task.

Barcelona’s firm stance on Faye’s transfer fee has already had a ripple effect. Inter Milan, another club that had shown interest in him, have decided to cool their pursuit. 

Barcelona have made it clear that Faye will not be part of their plans for the upcoming season. The club has decided to sell him, ideally including a buy-back option in the deal. 

This clause would allow Barcelona to bring Faye back if he reaches his potential at the highest level. The idea behind this is to safeguard the club’s future interests, especially if Faye develops into a top-tier player.

No shortage of suitors for Faye

Interest in Faye has been substantial, with several clubs approaching Barcelona with loan offers. However, Barcelona are determined to sell him outright. 

Meanwhile, Besiktas’ bid comes on the recommendation of their coach, former Barcelona player Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Van Bronckhorst, who shares a good relationship with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has been influential in pushing Besiktas to go all out for Faye.

While Barcelona’s initial plan was to secure €15 million for Faye, it appears that reaching this amount will likely depend on performance-based variables. 

The Turkish club are reportedly willing to offer Faye a lucrative contract and has also expressed openness to including a buy-back option, which aligns with Barcelona’s wishes.

Prior to all this, FC Porto were seen as frontrunners to sign Faye. But their offer fell short of Barcelona’s expectations, and negotiations did not progress, though communication between the clubs remains ongoing.

Faye still has three years left on his contract, but the club’s current overbooking of centre-backs has made it impossible for him to secure playing time this season. Consequently, a move away from the club seems inevitable.