Official: Nürnberg sign former Barcelona defender Faye | OneFootball

Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye joined Nürnberg from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais on an initial loan deal. The 2. Bundesliga outfit secured an option to buy at the end of his one-year spell in Germany. The 22-year-old joined Rennes from FC Barcelona for over €10 million a couple of years ago.

After an unsuccessful debut campaign in France, he spent last season on loan at Cremonese, where he has only started two Serie A games in their unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation. The center-back was a big prospect during his time with Barcelona's youth team, although he ended up leaving the club without a first-team appearance.

“Mikayil (Faye) has already gained experience in several teams at his young age. He brings a lot of potential for us, and we are happy that he is coming to us. During his last loan (with Cremonense), he only played a few games. Our goal is to get him to the competition level of 2. Bundesliga. We will need patience.” said Nürnberg’s board member Joti Chatzialexiou:

“I would like to thank the FCN hierarchy for seeing so much potential in me. I want to pay back this trust on the pitch, and I am very much looking forward to getting to know the team and the league.” Faye commented in his first interview with the club. 

Faye scored in his Senegal debut against Gabon in March 2024, but that remained his solitary appearance in international football.