[According to The Daily Mail,](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15021307/Birmingham-City-launch-ambitious-bid-sign-former-Barcelona-star-Tom-Brady-owned-club-eyes-defensive-reinforcements-strong-start-Championship-season.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490) the 21-year-old former Barcelona prospect is seen as a potential key addition to strengthen Blues’ defensive ranks.
Faye, who can operate as a left-back or centre-back, was sold by Barcelona last year to alleviate financial pressures and facilitate the registration of new signings, including Spain international Dani Olmo. Since leaving Catalonia, the young defender has struggled to settle at Rennes, making just 11 appearances in all competitions and starting only seven league games.
Despite limited minutes, he remains highly regarded across Europe, with his name having previously been linked to the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
He began his career at the Diambars academy in Senegal before moving to Croatian outfit NK Kustošija in 2022, where he made 14 appearances and scored once. In 2023, he joined Barcelona, making 35 appearances for the B team and scoring four goals. While he did not feature in the first team under Xavi, he was named on the bench for three senior fixtures.
On the international stage, Faye has represented Senegal at both youth and senior levels. He made his senior international debut in March 2024, scoring in a 3–0 victory over Gabon. At youth level, he earned 10 caps for the Senegal U17 team and featured in the squad that advanced to the round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Birmingham’s defensive rebuild remains a priority after Krystian Bielik’s departure to West Bromwich Albion and the decision not to pursue a permanent return for Ben Davies. Eiran Cashin has joined on loan from Brighton, while Phil Neumann and Christoph Klarer remain the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing. Birmingham were already seeking defensive reinforcements even before Alex Cochrane suffered an knock at Blackburn last weekend, with Alex being the club’s only fit left-back at the moment.
Ahead of the 1st September transfer deadline, Birmingham are reportedly targeting a left-back, a centre-half, and two wingers to complete their squad.