Stade Rennais defender Mikayil Faye will join German second-division side Nuremberg on a season-long loan with an option to buy, according to reports in France. The move represents another step away from Rennes for the 22-year-old Senegalese international, who arrived at the club last summer for a reported €10 million from Barcelona.
Faye’s time in Brittany has been largely unsuccessful since joining from the Catalan club, where he previously featured for the reserve team. He made twelve appearances for Rennes, but reportedly struggled with consistency and suffered a costly red card in a derby match against Nantes. With Franck Haise now in charge at Rennes, and possessing a number of central defensive options, Faye was not considered part of the manager’s plans for the upcoming season.
Prior to this loan move, Faye spent a year at Cremonese, making eight appearances, but failed to establish himself as a regular starter. The loan to Nuremberg offers him the opportunity to gain consistent playing time and potentially reignite his career. The option to buy included in the deal suggests that Nuremberg may be interested in a permanent transfer should Faye impress during his time in Germany.
Faye’s arrival at Rennes was part of the final wave of signings overseen by former sporting director Frederic Massara, and his loan represents a continuation of the club’s reshaping under new leadership. The move allows Rennes to trim their squad and potentially recoup some of the €10 million spent on the player last year. This loan could prove beneficial for all parties if Faye can find form and secure regular football in the 2. Bundesliga.
