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There are rumors that CHELSEA is interested in signing a wonderkid from Barcelona.
But Pep Guardiola’s brother could interfere with their transfer plans.
The 19-year-old Mika Faye, who joined from Croatian team NK Kustosija in the summer, has made an impression for the Barcelona B team under Mexican icon Rafael Marquez this season.
The adolescent center back is already paying off for the Spanish powerhouses, who spent £1.3 million to get him.
Xavi, the manager of Barcelona’s first team, and scouts from throughout Europe have taken note of Faye’s consistent performance in the starting lineup.
So much so that Chelsea is reportedly involved in a three-way competition for his signature, according to Sport in Spain.
The left-footed Senegalese star, who combines superb defensive skills with calmness on the ball, pace, and strength, may convince the Blues to make a move for him.
Chelsea already has a wealth of center defenders at their disposal, such as Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, and Axel Disasi.
Yet, Faye is also highly sought after by Borussia Dortmund and unexpected La Liga championship contenders Girona, where Guardiola’s younger brother Pere serves as chairman, minority owner, and agent.
Barcelona might be willing to loan Faye out the following season given his age and development, but given the Nou Camp team’s financial difficulties, a permanent transfer is not totally ruled out.
However, recent transfer negotiations with Barcelona and the Catalan giants’ refusal to sell to Girona and for Faye to join the City Football Group, which includes Manchester City, could provide Chelsea with a much-needed boost.
Barcelona would prefer to hold onto Faye, who is reportedly content at his new team and has big goals of starting for the first team.
Xavi’s confidence in the young player was demonstrated by the minutes he gave him in the preseason and December friendlies to the United States.
If Faye were to make the senior squad in 2024–2025, he would face stiff competition despite signing a four-year contract that would expire in 2027.
Xavi’s top three center backs are Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and Jules Kounde, along with Andreas Christensen.
This season, Pau Cubarsi, 16, is already garnering a lot of attention alongside Faye in the Barcelona Athletic youth team. Eric Garcia and Chadi Riad are both out on loan.
