Leverkusen Concerned By Abdoulaye Faye's Lack Of Playing Time At Celta Vigo

Bayer Leverkusen are growing concerned about Abdoulaye Faye's lack of playing time at Celta Vigo, although the Bundesliga club has not yet contacted the Spanish side about terminating his loan prematurely.

According to journalist Christian Vaquero, the Werkself are monitoring the defender's situation closely but have decided against taking immediate action. The club reportedly intends to assess his progress over the remaining weeks before the January transfer window opens.

The update comes after reports in Spain suggested that Leverkusen were considering whether to recall Faye and arrange another loan for the second half of the season.

Faye Has Played Just 45 Minutes Since August

The 22-year-old Senegalese defender joined Celta Vigo on a season-long loan in August, with Leverkusen hoping he would gain valuable experience in La Liga and the Europa League.

However, his time in Spain has proved considerably more difficult than anticipated.

Faye has made just one competitive appearance for Celta, playing 45 minutes against Athletic Club on August 30 before being substituted at half-time.

He has not featured in an official match since, despite regularly being included in Claudio Giráldez's matchday squads.

His limited involvement is particularly disappointing given the expectations surrounding his move.

Last season, Faye made 17 Ligue 1 appearances during a loan spell at Lorient, establishing himself as a regular starter after overcoming fitness problems.

Leverkusen had hoped another year of consistent first-team football would prepare him to compete for a place in their own defence next season.

Instead, the centre-back has spent almost three months without competitive minutes.

Celta Coach Calls For Patience

Despite Faye's lack of opportunities, Celta remain confident in his potential.

Giráldez recently praised the defender's attitude and commitment in training, describing him as one of the most willing learners he has encountered during his coaching career.

The Spanish coach acknowledged that Faye arrived less prepared than expected and suggested that his early appearances may have come before he was ready.

Giráldez believes the defender needs time to adapt and wants to introduce him gradually when circumstances are more favourable.

However, that approach creates a problem for Leverkusen.

A loan spell intended to accelerate Faye's development is currently offering little competitive experience, raising questions about whether remaining in Vigo represents the best option.

Leverkusen Have Made No Decision On January Recall

According to recent reports, Leverkusen is uneasy about the situation and could consider interrupting the loan in January if Faye's prospects do not improve.

However, Christian Vaquero has clarified that the German club has not contacted Celta about ending the agreement.

For now, Leverkusen prefers to wait until the transfer window approaches before deciding whether intervention is necessary.

That distinction is significant. Although there are concerns about Faye's development, an early recall is not currently being negotiated between the clubs.

Celta, meanwhile, reportedly expect the defender to complete the season in Spain.

The Galician club signed Faye without a purchase option, meaning Leverkusen retains full control of his long-term future.

Before completing the move in August, Bayer also extended his contract until June 2031, demonstrating their confidence in his potential.

The Coming Weeks Could Determine Faye's Future

Faye's immediate priority will be convincing Giráldez that he deserves more opportunities.

Celta's upcoming Copa del Rey fixture against Salamanca could provide an opening for the Senegalese defender, particularly as the club manages its squad during the international break.

For the German side, his performances and involvement between now and January will be important in determining whether the loan is still serving its intended purpose.

With several months of the season remaining, the club has time to explore alternatives if necessary.

However, recalling Faye would only make sense if Leverkusen could identify a destination where he would have a realistic opportunity to play regularly.

The Bundesliga side has invested heavily in the defender's long-term development and is unlikely to want another prolonged spell on the substitutes' bench.

For now, patience remains the preferred approach, but unless Faye begins receiving meaningful minutes, his future at Celta could become a serious question when the January transfer window opens.