What is Hansi Flick’s first impression of Barcelona starlet Mika Faye?

An insight into the early impression made by Barcelona starlet Mikayil Faye on new head coach Hansi Flick has this weekend been forthcoming online.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards Faye as having thoroughly impressed Flick to date.

The widespread expectation, until very recently, was of course that the Senegalese international was set to be moved on by Barcelona this summer, in a bid to raise much-needed funds for incomings.

In fact, Deco and co. went as far as to engage in in-depth discussions with their counterparts at Portuguese giants Porto, over a potential deal for Faye.

In the end, however, such talks failed to bear fruit.

And, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, as much could yet prove to be a blessing in disguise, for club and player alike.

As per a report from Sport:

‘The centre-back is very well liked by Hansi Flick.

The German tactician, it is claimed, is eager for his central defensive options to boast athleticism and recovery pace, amid plans to employ a high press from the back next season.

And Faye, for his part, ‘meets these tactical requirements ideally’.

Not only that, but with Ronald Araújo set to miss the opening months of the new campaign through injury, and both Pau Cubarsí and Eric García at The Olympic Games, there could be meaningful minutes up for grabs at the heart of Barca’s backline over the weeks ahead.

Should Faye be afforded a chance to shine amid as much, expect the 20-year-old to stay put for the entirety of the campaign.

Should this not prove the case, a January sale will be taken into fresh consideration.

As things stand, though, Faye is doing his part in convincing Hansi Flick of his unquestionable abilities.

Conor Laird | GSFN