Tottenham Hotspur have rewarded Pape Matar Sarr of Senegal with a new long term contract following his impressive displays under Ange Postecoglou.
The 21-year-old, who is currently racing against time to be fit for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, joined the North London club in 2021/22. After playing a bit-part role under Antonio Conte and others, he is now starring under Postecoglou, who took over as the club’s manager in the off season.
Having initially signed for six years from Metz in the French Ligue 1 as a teenager, he has matured into a midfielder that the Lilywhites now bank on. His partnership with fellow AFCON-bound Yves Bissouma in the heart of Spurs’ midfield has helped them forget the efficacy of Rodrigo Bentancur and relegated the experience of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to the bench.
He is now one of Postecoglou’s most trusted lieutenants and will be a big miss for the Australian manager while he is in Ivory Coast defending his country’s continental title in January.
Spurs, on the other hand, have now taken a route that they normally would not with Sarr. The North Londoners extended his contract until 2030, giving him six more years at the club and an extension of three years from the initial contract he signed.
A club statement announcing the extension of the player’s contract reads: “We are delighted to announce that Pape Matar Sarr has signed a new contract with the club that will run until 2030.”
“The Senegal international midfielder, 21, has been a revelation this season, his all-action style and ability to cover the ground really catching the eye in Ange Postecoglou’s new-look team.”
In other news, Spurs are closely following Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice and Radu Dragusin of Genoa.
Scouts were at Nottingham Forest’s last game to watch the young Welsh forward, who bagged a goal in the game to earn positive points. However, it is unlikely that he will complete a move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this January due to financial restrictions.
Spurs are more likely to bring in one of Dragusin or Todibo as centreback options. This is because they could lose Eric Dier in the coming weeks.
Talks about a deal with Genoa for Dragusin are in its advanced stages, with a possible £21 million fee being negotiated. For Todibo, meanwhile, it is unclear where they stand. However, Spurs are reportedly ahead of the pack that is chasing after the young Frenchman and could reportedly get there first.
