Football Presse

Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray battle for Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Pape Matar Sarr has emerged as a summer target for both Istanbul giants, with Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray each credited with interest in the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

The 22-year-old Senegal international has become one of the more dynamic presences in central midfield in the Premier League since establishing himself at Spurs. His journey to north London was far from simple — he signed from French club Metz in 2021 but was immediately loaned back for a season before joining the first-team setup under Antonio Conte the following summer.

Even then, his future hung in the balance. Conte initially wanted him out on loan again, and Sarr has since admitted he had his bags packed before an injury to Oliver Skipp changed everything.

Turkish outlet Takvim report that Fenerbahçe have identified Sarr as a priority target, with Galatasaray also in the picture. Both clubs are locked in a tight Süper Lig title race — Galatasaray lead by a point with a game in hand — and will be operating in the Champions League next season regardless of how it finishes, which strengthens their hand considerably in the transfer market.

Fenerbahçe are one of Turkey's most decorated clubs and have been spending seriously in recent windows to end a lengthy wait for domestic honours. The ambition is clear. Whether that ambition stretches to prising Sarr away from Spurs is another question entirely.

Tottenham signed the midfielder on a deal running until 2030. He is 22 years old, under contract for eight more years, and has made over 130 appearances for the club. Any serious approach will face significant resistance.