Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham is imminent.
There is a massive squad revamp that is expected at Hotspur Way this summer as Roberto De Zerbi looks to change the roster and add genuine quality at his disposal. And while a lot about this window has been about transfer incomings, given how Tottenham have already completed four signings and agreed to a fifth one in Mateus Fernandes, this off-season will be equally judged on the outgoings as well.
With Mateus coming in complemented by possibilities of compounding his arrival with Sandro Tonali as well, it will open some selling room at Tottenham, especially in that second phase. Lucas Bergvall has been heavily linked with a possible exit this summer. However, alongside Bergvall, another midfielder could also see the doors in Pape Matar Sarr.
Why could Pape Matar Sarr be in line for Hotspur Way exit?
While the 23-year-old Senegal international boasted 37 appearances last season, where he contributed to six goal involvements. His presence was more in a box-to-box role, where all the coaches used his defensive abilities and ball-recovery ability. But while he did that well, his style could be different to what De Zerbi wants to implement at N17.
He did not start a single game under Roberto De Zerbi in his first seven matches in charge at Hotspur Way, and now with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes coming on the roster, they will be among the first names on the teamsheet even before a ball has been kicked in pre-season, which could exactly hint at a possible Sarr exit. And that is exactly what John Wenham, owner of the reputed Spurs podcast Lilywhites Rose, thinks as well.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, he said:
“I could see Pape Sarr going. I think he’ll command a far lower fee, probably £20m or £15m, something like that. There was rumoured interest from Brentford in him.
“If a Premier League club comes in for him, then maybe he could push towards £25m.”
Author Opinion
The timing of Tottenham pursuing an aggressive rebuild doesn’t work in Sarr’s favour. And if the transfer fee offered for him ends up being £25 million if a Premier League team buys him or somewhere between £15 million and £20 million (from a lower-profile club), then Tottenham will be selling off a very talented player.
While many would look at it as premature selling (to some extent), it is still the best way forward for Tottenham after having invested as much as they did (in Fernandes) and are expected to do (in Tonali).
Do you think Tottenham should sell Pape Matar Sarr if an offer around £25 million were to come in for him this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.