Barcelona secure cash boost with €10.3m sale of young defender

Barcelona have announced the sale of young defender Mikayil Faye to French side Rennes in a transfer worth €10.3m.

The Ligue 1 team agreed the fee with the La Liga giants earlier this week, with the 20-year-old now set to play first-team football having spent most of his time with Barca in their B team.

Faye could be back in Catalonia in the near future, however, with Hansi Flick's side including a €25m buyback clause in the deal with Rennes.

A statement from Barca reads: "FC Barcelona and Stade Rennais F.C. have reached agreement for the transfer of the player Mikayil Faye for €10.3m. The blaugrana club has included a €25m buyback clause and a 30% sell-on fee clause in the deal for the player.

"The Club publicly expresses its thanks to Faye for his commitment and dedication, and wishes him every success in the future in both his personal and professional life."

Faye played for Barca during pre-season, featuring in friendlies against Real Madrid and Milan, and his departure comes with a much-needed cash boost as the Catalan outfit attempt to raise funds during the final week of the summer transfer window.

Ilkay Gundogan has completed a return to Manchester City after just one season away from England, with exits needed to register new signing Dani Olmo in La Liga.

The Euro 2024 winner was again left out of Barca's squad to take on Athletic Club on Saturday night as goals from Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski fired Flick's side to a 2-1 victory. Olmo was also absent for the opening weekend win over Valencia by the same scoreline.

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