Xabi Alonso sparks outrage with potential low blow against Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen is actively seeking to bolster its defense during the upcoming winter transfer window, and one of the names being strongly linked to a move to the BayArena is former Barcelona defender Mika Faye.

According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga club has already initiated talks with the Senegalese center-back. Faye, currently plying his trade at Rennes, joined the French club from Barcelona for a fee of slightly over €10 million.

Barcelona, however, retains a buy-back option for Faye, valued at €25 million, along with a 25% sell-on clause. This means that any potential move for the 20-year-old defender will hinge on Barcelona's decision regarding their buy-back option.

A promising talent

Mika Faye has shown immense potential since joining Rennes. His impressive performances in Ligue 1 have caught the attention of several top European clubs, with Bayer Leverkusen now emerging as a serious contender for his signature. The Senegalese international possesses a combination of physicality, pace, and technical ability that makes him an attractive proposition for many teams.

Bayer Leverkusen's defensive needs

Bayer Leverkusen has been relatively solid defensively this season, but manager Xabi Alonso is keen to add further depth to his backline. The club has been linked with a number of defenders in recent weeks, but Faye is seen as a long-term project who could develop into a top-class center-back.

Barcelona's decision

Barcelona's decision on whether or not to trigger their buy-back option for Faye will be crucial in determining the player's future. If the Catalan giants decide against bringing him back to the Camp Nou, Bayer Leverkusen will be in a strong position to negotiate a deal with Rennes.

However, if Barcelona opts to exercise their buy-back option, they could either keep Faye in their squad or sell him on to another club for a profit. The decision will likely depend on a number of factors, including the club's financial situation and their assessment of Faye's potential.

Other targets

In addition to Mika Faye, Bayer Leverkusen is also considering other defensive options. The club has been linked with a number of players from across Europe, but no other names have been confirmed at this stage.

As the transfer window approaches, it is expected that Bayer Leverkusen will intensify their efforts to strengthen their squad. With a number of key players entering the final years of their contracts, the club will need to be proactive in the transfer market to ensure that they remain competitive in both the Bundesliga and the Europa League.