Young defender Faye becomes Celta's third signing this summer

MADRID, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese center-back Abdoulaye Faye has joined Celta Vigo on a season-long loan from German side Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish club announced on Monday.

The 21-year-old becomes Celta's third signing of the summer, following defender Javi Galan from Osasuna and midfielder Aleix Febas from Elche. The northwestern Spanish club is preparing for a busy campaign in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League after finishing sixth last season.

"Faye stands out for his defensive strength, his ability to dominate in the air, and especially for his excellent ball distribution and passing accuracy," explains the Celta website, adding Faye is "a player with great potential who perfectly fits (Celta coach) Claudio Giraldez's playing style and will bring youth, talent, and versatility to the Celta defense."

Faye arrived in Europe with Swedish club BK Hacken in 2023 before joining Bayer Leverkusen two years later. The German club then loaned him to French side FC Lorient, where he made 17 league appearances.

Faye extended his contract with Bayer before joining Celta, meaning the loan deal does not include an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign. ■