Mikayil Faye

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

At 21 years old, Mikayil Faye represents a fascinating paradox in Serie A—a €25 million defensive talent plying his trade for US Cremonese, who sit precariously in 16th place, desperately fighting relegation. The Senegalese centre-back has made just one appearance this season, a full 90-minute showing where his aerial dominance and ability to command the backline as a defensive anchor were on display. Despite his limited minutes at Cremonese, Faye's market valuation tells the real story: Barcelona saw enough in his physicality—68 defending, 63 physicality—and potential to make him a significant investment. While teammates like Martín Payero and Dennis Johnsen grind through the relegation battle, Faye finds himself in a curious holding pattern—too valuable for consistent playing time at a struggling club, yet needing minutes to justify that staggering price tag. His 58 pace and aerial prowess suggest a modern ball-playing defender in the making, but for now, he watches from the sidelines as Cremonese fight for survival.