There are a surprising lack of players who have turned out for both Barcelona and Manchester United despite the incredible history surrounding both clubs.
Mark Hughes, Laurent Blanc, Jordi Cruyff, Henrik Larsson, Gerard Pique, Victor Valdes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexis Sanchez and Memphis have all turned out for both clubs, but that is where the list ends.
Moves directly between the two clubs have been incredibly rare but United may now be interested in a summer raid on the Catalan giants.
The Daily Mail report that United are watching Mikayil Faye with a summer move for the Barcelona B talent now in mind.
United scouted Faye in action for Senegal against Gabon on Friday and have been on his tail for three months now.
Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are also interested, so United will face competition, but let’s dig into Faye’s career to date and explain why he is so highly rated…
Mikayil Faye, the story so far
Faye hails from Sedhiou in Senegal just like Sadio Mane; in fact, there is now a stadium named after Mane in Sedhiou, summing up his hero status.
Faye is now forging his own path and joined the Diambars academy as a teenager before going on trial with clubs around Europe.
Marseille, Stade de Reims and Dinamo Zagreb all had a look at Faye, but it was another Croatian side who took a chance on him.
NK Kustosija pounced to land Faye in 2022 and he recorded 14 first-team appearances in the 2022-23 season.
Barcelona liked what they saw and coughed up €5million (£4.3million) to bring Faye to Catalunya, placing him in their B team.
The 19-year-old has been a regular for the Barcelona B team with three goals in 24 games, but he has yet to land a first-team debut.
Faye earned his first Senegal cap on Friday and actually scored, helping Senegal beat Gabon 3-0.
Mikayil Faye player profile
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 14/07/2004
- Position: Defender
- Club: Barcelona B
- Former clubs: Diambars, NK Kustosija
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Contract: Until June 2027
- Release clause: €400million (£343mllion)
Mikayil Faye, what they say
“What I like most about him is how level-headed he is. He’s a super normal kid, super quiet. He’s not like most talented young players, he’s very grounded. If I had to highlight something as a footballer, I would tell you that the guy is faster than anyone. Football-wise, the boy is very fast and powerful.” – Carlos Olmo, former NK Kustosija teammate.
“I had the opportunity to get to know him a lot in the preseason and to see him a little recently as well. I think he has a lot of talent. He is very, very explosive, very dynamic, very aggressive, very good with the ball, he has a good left foot. He recently arrived in a new country with a new language and I think he is doing very well, I have heard him speak a little Spanish already. I see someone who wants to work and I think he has a bright future ahead.” – Barcelona teammate Jules Kounde.
“I have never seen such maturity in a youngster of his age, in fact I have never seen a greater talent. I’d say he’s the best left-back in Croatia. You only have to look at the strongest players, and he’s better than anyone in his position.” – Former NK Kustosija boss Samir Toplak.
“If we compare them at the same age, I would say Mikayil is more aggressive and powerful than [Josko] Gvardiol. He is technically better and has more shooting ability,” – Former NK Kustosija coach Ugo Klingor.
“After the match I saw he was playing for Barcelona. It doesn’t surprise me, he had a great match. He’s a talented youngster who scored a fantastic goal,” – Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina after facing Faye on Friday.
“Mika Faye has unique conditions that make him different, he has great potential, a good left foot and there are not many left-footed centre backs, but we have to continue working with him. He has the conditions, but he needs greater concentration and not relax at certain times,” – Barcelona B boss Rafa Marquez.
Mikayil Faye to Manchester United analysis
We can understand the interest in Faye as competition for Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentinian is a vital part of the United operation but his injury record in two seasons at Old Trafford has been concerning.
Another left-footed centre back may now become a priority, preferably a young talent who can be developed for the future.
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is a key target but Faye would likely be cheaper and even has the added flexibility of playing as a left back.
Barcelona won’t want to lose Faye, especially just a year after signing him, but they ultimately need to sell players.
That could play right into United’s hands with a summer move for Faye becoming increasingly appealing – even with a lack of La Liga experience.
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