Back in August, Tottenham completed a £14.6m deal to sign Metz wonderkid Pape Matar Sarr, before loaning him back to the French side.
It was an exciting signing for Spurs, with the 19-year-old already a senior international for Senegal, as well as one of the brightest midfield talents in Europe.
However, Antonio Conte has now decided to sign another midfield gem who plays in the same position as Sarr, with a £25m deal for Brighton maestro Yves Bissouma nearing completion.
What’s the story?
Well, in our view, the teenager – who has been likened to Jude Bellingham – will be saddened by this news.
Bissouma underwent a medical in north London earlier today, and once the deal goes through, Sarr will have to compete with one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, let alone the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.
Tottenham’s £25m deal for the Mali international shoves the Senegalese prospect even further down the pecking order, and there may now be fears from Sarr’s side that Conte doesn’t want him in N17.
After all, it was Nuno Espirito Santo who signed the prospect from Metz, not the Italian.
Having said that, Fabio Paratici – Director of Football at Tottenham – oversaw the signing of Sarr, so he will surely put in a good word to Conte.
Tottenham must find Pape Matar Sarr a strong loan
In our view, Spurs should loan Sarr out again next season.
As aforesaid, the likes of Bentancur, Hojbjerg and Skipp – not to mention Harry Winks as well – will all be vying for a place in the first-team with Bissouma, so Sarr’s development could suffer if he is left on the sidelines.
Therefore, Tottenham must find him a good loan move, one which represents a step up from Metz.
In our view, a Premier League loan to a bottom-half side would be beneficial, as it would give Sarr a taste of what is required to thrive in England’s top-flight.
Whatever happens, Spurs can’t afford to let their £14.6m investment go to waste on the bench.
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