Abdoulaye Faye
CEL
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Sep 22, 2004 (21)
Left
6'3"
Celta VigoExtends deal, joins Celta on loan
Faye extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen through 2031 and joined Celta Vigo on loan for the season, the club announced.
Analysis: Faye developed at Diambars FC before moving to European football in 2023 with BK Hacken, later spending time on loan at Orgryte before returning to Hacken and then signing with Leverkusen. He spent last season on loan at Lorient in Ligue 1, making 17 league appearances. The center back is known for his defensive strength, aerial dominance and composure in possession. Faye is expected to add depth and quality to Celta Vigo's backline under coach Claudio Giraldez.
Comes off bench in friendly
Faye came off the bench in the 64th minute during a friendly against Genk, easing concerns over the injury that forced him off in the previous game.
Analysis: Faye was forced off in the 40th minute against Offenbach Kickers after going down in a duel and grabbing his left calf, a moment that initially looked concerning, but the injury turned out to be minor, with him featuring off the bench just four days later against Genk. That recovery is a good sign heading into a season where, if Leverkusen maintain a back three, he'll be fighting for a center-back spot among a crowded group that includes Axel Tape, Jeanuel Belocian, Loic Bade, and Robert Andrich, alongside likely starters Edmond Tapsoba and Jarell Quansah.
Forced off with calf issue
Faye (calf) was forced off in the 40th minute of Saturday's friendly against Offenbach Kickers after going down in a duel and grabbing his left calf, according to UBK.
Analysis: Faye attempted to play through the discomfort for a few more minutes before signaling further issues and being helped off the pitch limping by the team's medical staff, with Jeanuel Belocian coming on in his place. No further details on the severity of the injury have been disclosed, and further clarity on his status is expected to come from the club as its assessment continues.
Returns to Bayer Leverkusen
Faye will return to parent club Bayer Leverkusen following the conclusion of his loan spell at Lorient, the club announced.
Analysis: Faye made 17 Ligue 1 appearances across 1,446 minutes, contributing 32 tackles, 28 interceptions and 91 clearances in Lorient's back line throughout their top-flight return campaign. Faye now heads back to Leverkusen where his future will be assessed heading into the 2026/27 season.
Scores own goal in loss
Faye created one chance, made two tackles and five clearances but scored an own goal during Sunday's 2-0 loss against Le Havre.
Analysis: Faye was mostly solid throughout the contest but will be mostly remembered for sending the ball into his own net while trying to cut a cross when the match was still scoreless in the 33rd minute. The center-back spent a significant part of the campaign sidelined due to a foot injury but was mostly solid when able to play, averaging over five clearances per game and showing his parent club that he's more than ready for bigger challenges.
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