Senegal defender Malang Sarr reportedly threatened and assaulted in Spain after Neom SC transfer

Senegalese international defender Malang Sarr was reportedly the victim of threats and physical violence in Spain following his move to Saudi Arabian club Neom SC last July.

According to reports, the incident allegedly occurred in Marbella, where Sarr was staying after completing his transfer to the Saudi Pro League side.

The two men reportedly arrived at the hotel where the former Chelsea defender was staying and allegedly confronted him over the circumstances surrounding his move to Neom SC.

Several witnesses quoted by L’Équipe reportedly described a disturbing confrontation involving the two men.

According to the account, the pair allegedly forced their way into a private function room at the hotel before approaching Sarr, who was reportedly sitting inside.

The two men then allegedly lifted the Senegalese defender from his seat and forced him to accompany them upstairs.

Sarr was reportedly slapped while being taken up the stairs, with the incident said to have left the player facing a serious confrontation away from the football pitch.

The reported altercation is believed to be connected to Sarr’s transfer to Neom SC and a disagreement surrounding the financial arrangements linked to the deal.

Sarr joined the Saudi club on a three-year contract after leaving Europe, with the agreement reportedly worth around €15 million net over the duration of the contract.

However, according to the report, one of the defender’s representatives was unhappy because he allegedly did not receive a commission from the transfer.

The situation reportedly escalated after Sarr maintained that he had negotiated directly with the chairman of Neom SC and therefore did not believe he was required to pay compensation to the representative involved.

The Senegalese international is said to have refused to make any payment despite the pressure allegedly placed on him.

It was this disagreement over the commission, according to the report, that is believed to have led to the confrontation in Marbella.

Despite the alleged threats and physical assault, Sarr has reportedly chosen not to file a complaint with the Spanish authorities.

The incident adds an unexpected and troubling development to what had otherwise been a significant career move for the defender.

Sarr, who has previously played for clubs including Chelsea, Nice, Porto and Monaco, made the switch to Neom SC as part of the Saudi club’s efforts to strengthen its squad with experienced international players.

The reported incident, however, has placed the circumstances surrounding his transfer under scrutiny, particularly the dispute involving the alleged unpaid commission.

While Sarr has reportedly decided not to pursue legal action, the allegations surrounding the Marbella incident remain serious, with the player’s account and the circumstances of the dispute forming part of the reported controversy surrounding his move to Neom SC.