Senegalese youngster Abdoulaye Faye says "wearing the Bayer Leverkusen shirt will inspire me every day" after joining the club from Sweden's BK Häcken - but what else is there to know about the BayArena newcomer. Read on for more...

Stats correct as of 3 July 2025

Abdoulaye Faye

Age: 20 (born 22 September 2004)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Centre-back
Country: Senegal

Key stats

A product of the Diambars FC academy, which counts Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye and former Bochum winger Aliou Baldé among its graduates, Faye enjoyed a breakout spell in Sweden prior to his summer 2025 switch to Leverkusen.

The 6'3" defender made 22 Superettan (second tier) appearances whilst on loan at Örgryte in 2024, before returning to Häcken at the start of 2025. He's since played in six top-flight and five Svenska Cuppen games, scoring twice. 

Plays a bit like: Nico Schlotterbeck

A left-footed central defender with a high game IQ, assured touch and pin-point passing game, Faye has much in common with Borussia Dortmund and Germany counterpart Nico Schlotterbeck.

Did you know?

Faye is the son of former Senegal international defender Ibrahima Faye, but is of no relation to namesake Abdoulaye, who also played for the Lions of Teranga, as well as in the English Premier League.

Faye's ability to play out from the back is one of his standout attributes. - IMAGO/DANIEL STILLER

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What they're saying

"In Abdoulaye Faye, we've signed an extremely talented defender. He's one for the future." - Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes

"Abdoulaye Faye has everything needed to become a top player here. He's a very good footballer, has outstanding ability when it comes to initiating moves and produces quality passes." - Leverkusen director of football Kim Falkenberg

About the clubs

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

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