Galatasaray move gathers pace for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr

Galatasaray have moved closer to signing Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Senegal international, according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The 23-year-old is now waiting for the Turkish club to reach an agreement with Tottenham over the transfer fee, with negotiations currently centred on the gap between the two sides’ valuations.

Galatasaray are understood to have made two offers for Sarr. Their latest proposal is reportedly worth about £17.1m, or almost €20m, but Tottenham have rejected both bids.

The London club are said to be seeking £21.4m, approximately €25m, before allowing the midfielder to leave. Sarr still has several years remaining on his contract, giving Tottenham a strong negotiating position and reducing the likelihood that they will accept a lower fee.

That difference remains the main barrier to a deal. Galatasaray will need to improve their offer if they are to complete the signing and take Sarr to Turkey.

The Turkish club are not the only side monitoring the midfielder’s situation. Everton, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Al Ahli are also reportedly interested, giving Tottenham alternative possibilities should talks with Galatasaray break down.

Sarr joined Tottenham from FC Metz in 2021 and has made 141 appearances for the club in all competitions. He has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists during that time.

His position in the squad may have become less secure following Tottenham’s recruitment of several midfielders this summer, including Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. The additions have increased competition in the centre of the pitch, despite manager Roberto De Zerbi previously describing Sarr as a player who was « tres important » for his squad.

Galatasaray currently appear to have the advantage because of the reported agreement with the player over personal terms. However, the transfer cannot be completed unless Tottenham’s valuation is met. If the clubs settle on a fee close to the €25m being demanded by Tottenham, Sarr could soon begin a new chapter of his career in Turkey.

Sarr is reported to earn an annual salary of €4,254,114, equivalent to 2,765,174,100 FCFA, at Tottenham.

Tottenham’s next fixture is against Newcastle in the second round of the English league season. Betting company 1xbet lists odds of 2.05 for a Tottenham victory, 3.65 for a draw and 3.00 for a Newcastle win.