Barcelona secure transfer of Senegalese centre-back Mikayil Faye

Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of talented centre-back Mikayil Faye from Croatian club NK Kustosija, reports Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Catalan giants have beaten European giants Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

Barca are expected to pay around €5 million plus bonuses for the 18-year-old.

He has been plying his trade in the Croatian second division and will likely be integrated into Barca’s reserves.

However, Faye could follow Ronald Araujo, Gavi, Inaki Pena, Arnau Tenas and Lamine Yamal to advance to the first team from Barca Atletic.

It will be a tough ask for the Senegalese prodigy, especially when the defence is stacked with Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde.

Barca are also reportedly set to welcome Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer ahead of next season.

Julian Araujo is tipped for more game time with the first team following his impressive performance in the friendly against Vissel Kobe.

Right-back remains an area of concern, with Xavi aiming to strengthen the position. Juan Foyth, Joao Cancelo and Benjamin Pavard are on his wishlist.

Regardless of their arrivals, Araujo is showing promise that he could be a solid option for the right-back slot.

Barca are waiting on Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan’s final decision about joining them, having reportedly reached a verbal agreement over a free transfer.