Barcelona will promote 19-year-old gem to first team after deciding against €15m sale | OneFootball

In a major development, FC Barcelona have decided against selling Mika Faye this summer despite serious interest from FC Porto.

This update comes from Mundo Deportivo, who report that the Blaugrana now plan on promoting the 19-year-old defensive prodigy to the senior setup where he will play under new manager Hansi Flick.

Faye set to stay

Over the past few weeks, FC Porto showed great interest in signing Faye from Barcelona. Furthermore, it was suggested that the Catalans could sell given their need to generate revenue.

The Portuguese heavyweights were willing to offer around €15 million for the young defender with Barça also pushing for a future buyback option.

However, now, the sale is off the table as the La Liga behemoths have decided to retain Faye’s services despite the proposal from Porto.

The report suggests that sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick were both never in favour of selling the Senegalese international and have now not only decided to hold on to him but will also promote him to the senior team.

Mika Faye going nowhere. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The same has already been conveyed to Faye and his entourage as well.

Barcelona value Faye

The report further states that Flick and Deco value Faye a lot, and for multiple reasons. They see the 19-year-old starlet as a player with immense potential.

The German coach likes the profile of Mika, who is able to come out with the ball, is quick and has a good shot.

Another reason they value Faye highly is his versatility. As well as playing as a centre-back, the teenager can also perform very well as a left-back – a position in which Flick intends to test him in pre-season.

After all, with Marcos Alonso leaving Barcelona are left with Alejandro Balde as the only senior left-back in the squad, while a decision over Alex Valle’s future will be made only after pre-season.

Faye joined Barça last summer from NK Kustosija for just €2.2 million. Last January, the Catalan club rejected an offer of €9 million from Lens for him.

Now, the club’s commitment to the Senegalese remains firm, promoting him to the first team because they believe in his potential and see him as a talented player.