Pape Matar Sarr closes in on Juventus move after Tottenham agreement

Pape Matar Sarr is set to leave Tottenham for Juventus after the Italian club reached an agreement with the Premier League side to sign the Senegal international on loan with an option to buy.

The 23-year-old midfielder had been identified by Juventus as a target to strengthen their midfield following Khephren Thuram’s injury. The Italian side had initially focused on Ivory Coast international Franck Kessié before that move collapsed.

Juventus had been close to completing a deal for the 29-year-old, but the agreement fell through at the final stage. Kessié instead opted to return to Atalanta, forcing the Turin club to continue their search for another midfielder.

That search eventually took Juventus to England and Sarr, who had already emerged as one of their preferred options.

The Senegalese midfielder had been looking for a way out of Tottenham and was attracting attention from several clubs. Monaco and Nottingham Forest were also interested in the former Génération Foot player, but Juventus have now moved ahead of their rivals.

After first agreeing personal terms with Sarr, the Italian club have completed the next step by reaching an agreement with Tottenham over the transfer.

According to Sky Italia, Juventus have submitted an official proposal worth €2m for the loan, with an option to make the move permanent for €26m.

The purchase clause could eventually become compulsory if two conditions are met. Juventus must qualify for the Champions League and Sarr must feature in at least half of the club’s matches.

The agreement would give Juventus an immediate addition to their midfield while providing the club with the opportunity to complete a permanent transfer depending on the conditions of the deal.

Sarr is expected to travel to Italy within the next few hours to undergo his medical examination before completing the formalities of the transfer and signing his contract.

The move will take the Senegal international into Serie A after his time with Tottenham. Juventus’ decision to pursue the midfielder came after their initial attempt to sign Kessié ended unsuccessfully, leaving them needing another option for their midfield.

Sarr’s desire to leave Tottenham and the interest from several clubs had created competition for his signature, but Juventus have ultimately secured an agreement with both the player and his English club.

The former Metz midfielder will now undergo his medical in Italy, with the final stages of the transfer expected to follow shortly.