Manchester United eye 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy in search of centre-back
For the signing-laden summer that Barcelona hope for, big departures appear to be a must.
After all, the Catalans are still struggling to salvage their financial situation and are far from the 1:1 signing rule in La Liga.
The centre-back position, thus, strikes the administration as the best department to eye sales. With five top-quality central defenders in the squad and several others on loan, multiple departures can be facilitated from the department.
Option Mikayil Faye
With Pau Cubarsi’s rapid rise and the high competition in the first-team for a starting spot, Barcelona’s highly coveted young star Mikayil Faye is seen as a saleable asset by many on the board.
According to reports from Daily Mail, Manchester United have their eyes on the Senegalese star as one of their options to reinforce the central defence this summer.
The 19-year-old is not the Red Devils’ prime target, but Faye’s rapid ascendency for both Barcelona B and Senegal could very well change his position on their wish list.
As revealed last month, United are willing to make an offer of £25 million for the youngster. Considering that Barcelona signed him for just €1.5 million from NK Kustosija, they will make a massive profit from the transaction should it go through.
Options with the first team?
Faye’s impressive displays for Barça Atletic have not gone unnoticed by Xavi, for the manager has regularly involved him in the first team dynamics this season.
In fact, the youngster has been called up to the first-team squad for Barcelona’s last two games but is yet to make his debut.
Earlier this week, Faye scored an 89th-minute winner for the subsidiary side against Osasuna B.
If all goes to plan, Faye is expected to travel with the Barça first team for the upcoming pre-season.
He does have a chance of being promoted to the first team next season, but a sale appears more probable considering the competition he would face.
