Report: Manchester United scouting £25m-rated versatile Barcelona prodigy
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are tracking Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye ahead of a potential summer swoop.
Mikayil Faye’s international debut for Senegal against Gabon last week was nothing short of sensational, capturing the attention of Manchester United scouts with a goal that demonstrated his technical ability. The scouts have been following the defender’s progress for the last three months, impressing with his physicality, agility and athleticism.
The 19-year-old is currently with Barcelona’s B side after joining the club last year from Croatian outfit NK Kustosija. The Senegalese’s versatility to operate both as a centre-back and left-back adds a layer of fascination for Manchester United, who are in dire need of defensive reinforcements. However, the Red Devils are not alone in Faye’s pursuit. Bundesliga league leaders Bayer Leverkusen are also keeping tabs on the teenager, as are Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan, states the Daily Mail.
Barcelona rejected offers of £13million for Faye from French clubs OGC Nice and Lens during the January transfer window but their poor financial situation may force them to sell him at around £25million in the summer, the report adds.
Manchester United are actively scouring the market for a centre-back and left-back. Their ongoing challenges with injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia has highlighted the need for young, strong options in the future.
Red Devil Armada’s verdict:
Injuries to key players have ruined Man United’s season, forcing our boss Erik ten Hag to constantly chop and change his pack at the back which has not allowed his team to achieve stability. The biggest blows have been Martinez and Shaw’s injuries, with Ten Hag’s team struggling to play out from the back in the duo’s absence.
Mikayil Faye has shone for Barcelona’s reserve side since his summer move from Croatian side NK Kustosija, and the defender with his mix of versatility, physical prowess and technical ability could provide the Red Devils with the option of solving the problems both at left-back and centre-back.
We have followed Faye’s rise over the last three months, and after our scouts’ recent trip to watch him in action on his senior debut for Senegal, a glowing report should be on the table for the club to consider whether to make a serious offer or not.