Leverkusen issued a statement on Friday, announcing that 20-year-old Hirken central defender Abdoulaye Faye has officially joined. The two sides signed a five-year contract, which will be valid until June 30, 2030.

According to the German football magazine Kicker, the final transaction price of the transfer was about 3 million euros. The German transfer market website added that the specific amount was 2.7 million euros.

Abdoulaye Faye is 1.91 meters tall and is regarded as an outstanding representative of the new generation of central defenders in Senegal. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Swedish super team Hirken in August 2023. So far, he has made 11 appearances and contributed 2 goals.

Faye was also loaned to Okidi by Hirken for about half a year, during which time he made a total of 23 appearances.

"We have signed a very talented defender in Abdoulaye Faye," said Simon Rolfes, managing director of Leverkusen Sports, after the transfer was completed. "This signing is for long-term development and Faye is seen as the hope of Leverkusen's future."

Leverkusen director of football Kim Falkenberg went on to add: "Abdoulaye Faye has everything it takes to be a great player for us. He is an exceptional player with great organisational skills and a high-quality pass."

Faye is extremely happy to join Leverkusen: "Leverkusen has provided me with a great opportunity, and I will definitely seize it. I will do my best to gain a long-term foothold in Leverkusen. Leverkusen is a top European club - wearing the Leverkusen jersey every day will be my motivation to keep moving forward."