Mika Faye reveals former Barcelona star’s influence on Rennes move | OneFootball

Departed Barcelona starlet Mikayil Faye has on Sunday confirmed that a former member of the attacking ranks at the club played a part in convincing him of the merits of joining Stade Rennais.

The long-awaited confirmation of Faye’s Barcelona exit, of course, was forthcoming earlier today.

Following months of speculation, the 19-year-old, made available for transfer amid the Camp Nou brass’ search for funds, sealed a move to France.

As per a statement across Barca’s website and social media platforms:

‘FC Barcelona and Stade Rennais F.C. have reached agreement for the transfer of the player Mikayil Faye for 10.3 million Euro. The blaugrana club has included a 25 million Euro buyback clause and a 30% sell-on fee clause in the deal for the player.’

With a number of clubs understood to have been expressing a keen interest in his signature, Faye’s decision to make the move to Roazhon Park likely required plenty of thought and careful consideration.

The young defender was actually aided in as much, though, by another player to have recently swapped the Camp Nou for Ligue 1.

Speaking during his presentation on Sunday (as cited by Mundo Deportivo), Faye revealed that he spoke to none other than Ousmane Dembélé, who had nothing but positive things to say about former club Rennes:

“I had the opportunity to speak with Ousmane Dembélé, with whom I participated in the 2023 pre-season with Barcelona, ​​but also with Lovro Majer who advised me when I was in Croatia. They both told me that it was the perfect club to continue progressing and that everything will go well.”

Conor Laird | GSFN