Barcelona’s 19-year-old impresses Xavi during pre-season training

Barcelona appear to have reached an agreement deal to sign Oriol Romeu, who is set to join the club this week. In exchange, the club have given up Pablo Torre on a loan deal until the end of next season.

While Torre’s relatively disappointing season last term certainly left many Barça fans upset, it appears there is another young footballer rapidly moving up the ranks.

The player in question is Mikayil Faye. The young centre-back had joined Barcelona earlier in the summer, on a four-year deal from Croatian outfit NK Kustosija. He was subsequently made part of the Barcelona team that is preparing for the new season.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Faye has been doing quite well in pre-season training, catching the eye with his physical dominance and aerial prowess.

Those claims have now been confirmed by Adrian Sanchez as well. In his latest update, the Spanish journalist suggests Faye has continued to impress Xavi during the pre-season preparations.

Faye’s rapid improvement is certainly a good sign for Barcelona. Following the retirement of Gerard Pique last year, coupled with the inconsistencies of Eric Garcia, the club could use a backup centre-back in the coming season.

Although Barça have roped in Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, they could still use the youth and exuberance of Faye.

Standing at 1.86m, the youngster can add more physicality to the Barcelona backline, which should combine well with technically astute defenders such as Martinez, Jules Kounde, and Andreas Christensen.

However, it is imperative for Faye to continue his development through the summer, if he is to become a part of the Barcelona senior side next season. For the time being, the youngster is likely to ply his trade for Barça Athletic.