Mikayil Faye, the young Senegalese defender, has officially left FC Barcelona to join Stade Rennais for a transfer fee of €10.3 million. While the move might seem straightforward, it has several layers that reveal Barcelona’s ongoing financial strategy and the club’s vision for future growth.
Faye, who had the opportunity to train with Barcelona during the 2023 pre-season, received crucial advice from two notable figures before finalizing his move. Ousmane Dembélé, a former Barcelona winger, and Lovro Majer, who provided guidance during Faye’s time in Croatia, both endorsed Rennes as the perfect club for his development. Their insights likely played a significant role in Faye’s decision, as Rennes has built a reputation for nurturing young talents and providing them with the platform to excel.
The financial aspect of Faye’s move is particularly noteworthy for Barcelona. Despite the €10.3 million transfer fee, the club will make a profit of approximately €9 million. However, due to the intricacies of La Liga's financial regulations, the money received from Faye's transfer cannot be used to register new signings like Dani Olmo. This is because Faye was not officially registered with La Liga, which means the profit generated from his sale does not contribute to Barcelona's salary cap for new players.
Barcelona has, however, safeguarded their interests in Faye's future. The official club statement revealed that the Catalan giants have reserved a buy-back clause set at €25 million. Additionally, Barcelona retains 30% of any future sale, ensuring that they benefit financially should Faye continue to rise in value.
Overall, Mika Faye's move to Rennes reflects Barcelona’s ongoing strategy to manage their financial situation while also keeping an eye on long-term potential. The club’s ability to generate profit, even from lesser-known players, and maintain a vested interest in their future growth, highlights their savvy approach in the transfer market.