By SIMON JONES
Published: 08:50 EDT, 21 August 2025 | Updated: 08:50 EDT, 21 August 2025
Birmingham City have launched an ambitious bid to sign former Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye from French club Rennes.
The Senegal international was sold by Barcelona last year to help alleviate their financial crisis and allow them to register signings such as Spain international Dani Olmo.
Faye can play at centre back and left-back and is a powerful, athletic player who is capable of adding a goal also.
The 21-year old was the subject of interest from a number of top European sides before joining Rennes but has only made 11 appearances and has seemingly struggled to settle.
Birmingham could face a battle to convince him to come to The Championship but will hope their project and the presence of personalities such as Tom Brady can help to sway him.
Premier League sides are also assessing the youngster as the transfer window draws to a close.
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Birmingham City have launched an ambitious bid to sign ex-Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye
Birmingham could face a battle to convince him to come to the Championship but will hope their project and the presence of personalities such as Tom Brady (above) will help to sway him
New Blues star man Kyogo Furuhashi joined from Stade Rennais for £7.7m earlier this summer
Birmingham have won one and drawn one on their start to the season and face Oxford United at the weekend.
The Blues have already welcomed a wealth of new additions this summer with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Marvin Ducksch and Taylor Gardner-Hickman arriving for fees of £7.7million, £1.7m and £1.5m respectively.
Despite splashing the cash on new recruits, Birmingham have also made the most of out-of-contract players this transfer window, signing ex-Premier League star Demarai Gray, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kanya Fujimonto and Phil Neumann all as free agents.
Brighton duo Eiran Cashin and James Beadle, as well as Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle, have also joined the St Andrews' club on loan.
Tom BradyBirmingham City