Pape Matar Sarr set to leave Tottenham as Galatasaray close in on three-year deal

Pape Matar Sarr is on the verge of leaving Tottenham Hotspur, with Galatasaray closing in on a deal for the Senegalese midfielder after he agreed terms on a three-year contract, according to a report from Africa Foot. Talks between the two clubs are said to be progressing well, and the transfer is now expected to go through.

Sarr, 23, made 26 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season but managed just over an hour of football under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi. With De Zerbi favouring a double-pivot system, the former Metz man has found himself outside the first-choice plans at Spurs, who have already committed over £160 million on midfielders Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali this summer.

The competition for places in the engine room is fierce. Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, and Rodrigo Bentancur all offer further options in central midfield, while Lucas Bergvall — another young player inherited from the previous regime — could also depart, according to reports.

Sarr joined Tottenham from Metz in 2022 as a highly-rated young prospect and showed flashes of quality during his time in north London, but was never able to fully establish himself as a regular starter. Transfermarkt values the Senegalese international at €14 million.

Turkish club Fenerbahce had previously been linked with Sarr earlier this year but appear to have stepped aside, leaving Galatasaray as the frontrunners. Africa Foot describes the contract on offer as “lucrative”, suggesting the Istanbul side have moved decisively to secure the deal.

Tottenham open their Premier League campaign against Brentford this weekend, with De Zerbi’s squad taking shape as the club looks to balance ambitious incomings with a trimming of their midfield options.