Chief says Tottenham midfielder was very close to Barcelona transfer – ‘Refused’ it for player’s own good

Barcelona tried signing Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr before he joined FC Metz in 2020.

The midfielder arrived in Europe for the first time when the Ligue 1 side took him from Senegalese side Génération Foot.

A year later, he was sold to Tottenham, who then allowed the 20-year-old to spend the previous season on loan at Metz.

The Senegal international was able to join the north London club in 2021 because his old club decided not to entertain Barcelona’s approach earlier in his career.

The Blaugrana’s failed efforts to secure the player’s services is detailed by Génération Foot president Mady Touré during an interview with Infos Matin’s program, Télé Futurs Médias. The chief also revealed the reason for the same.

“When they contacted us for Pape Matar Sarr, there was a proposal of 5 billion West African CFA francs [€7.6m]. But I haven’t looked at that amount. I refused, I told myself that the player’s process must be respected,” Touré said, as relayed by Wiw Sport.

“He eventually went to FC Metz. You have to have a roadmap for your young people who must take it step by step. It’s important.”

A few clubs tried to take the player on loan in the January window but Antonio Conte refused to let go of the midfielder.

Pape Matar Sarr had to wait until January to make his first team debut for Tottenham. He has made nine appearances in all competitions this season, which includes four starts.