A relative of Pape Matar Sarr has revealed to the Senegalese press that Tottenham performed a late U-turn on the midfielder’s future after the injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.
Sarr is yet to make his debut for Spurs and has only been named in the matchday squad for two out of the club’s six Premier League matches so far.
Fabrizio Romano reported two weeks ago that the North London club were confident of finding the right loan move for the 19-year-old before the transfer window shut and added that several Serie A clubs were keen on signing the youngster.
However, Sarr ended up staying put at Tottenham, with Gianluca Di Marzio revealing last week that the concussion sustained by Bentancur against Nottingham Forest caused the Lilywhites to reconsider their stance on the youngster.
A relative of the former Metz man has now confirmed that the midfielder was set to sign for Italian side Cremonese on loan before Spurs decided to pull the plug on the move.
The person is quoted as saying to the Senegalese publication APS: “With the injury of (Rodrigo) Betancur, the coach (Antonio Conte) has decided not to let him go to Cremonese anymore.
“He was forced to review his plans with this injury. The Spurs coach wanted to make sure that he (Sarr) will have playing time and will grow tactically with a technician who shares his convictions.
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“Now, Pape Matar (Sarr) must fight to win in this squad and he was also registered in the Champions League.”
Sarr’s unnamed relative also revealed that Hugo Lloris had words of encouragement for the teenager once it became clear he would stay.
She added: “(Lloris) encouraged him to fight and believe in his qualities to make a place for himself.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I do not think Bentancur’s injury alone was the reason why Conte changed his mind regarding Sarr. The fact that Skipp was also recovering at the time and has not played since February, perhaps made the Italian realise that he would be taking a gamble by loaning out the 19-year-old.
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