According to Jonathan Shrager, Manchester City are closing in on Pape Sarr. The Metz midfielder has emerged as an option for several Premier League clubs this summer as the club braces itself for a potential departure. Manchester United are among the clubs interested in his services, but it appears their cross-town rivals are in the driver’s seat in the pursuit of this highly talented youngster.
Pape Sarr’s Rapid Rise To Prominence
Born in Thiaroye in his native Senegal, Pape Sarr is a product of the Generation Foot youth academy that has produced some of the best players in the nation’s football history. He made the move to France last summer, joining Metz on a free transfer.
Since then, the youngster has gone on to become an essential part of the club’s midfield unit. While he was mostly on the fringes during the first half of the campaign, a sensational breakthrough after the turn of the year has witnessed the 18-year-old become one of the rising stars in Ligue 1.
Indeed, Sarr ended the 2020/21 campaign with 22 league appearances, impressing the onlookers with his control, dynamism and technical prowess. A defensive midfielder by trade, the youngster is also versatile as he can operate as a number eight and even as a number ten if required.
His ability to drive forward with the ball often becomes useful, though Sarr is primarily known for his defensive work rate. His performances at Metz were rewarded with his first call up to the Senegal national team back in March and the midfielder is certainly ready to take the next step in his career.
A Good Option For Manchester City?
Despite being just 18, Pape Sarr has shown that he can perform at the highest level of football. His technical prowess, composure and defensive work rate could thus make him an excellent option for Manchester City this summer.
There is no doubt that the Citizens are in the market for a new holding midfielder, with Fernandinho nearing the end of his career. There are questions over the consistency of Rodri as well, further accentuating the need for a new face in the middle of the park.
Sarr fits the bill perfectly as he can not only emerge as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho but can also compete with City’s existing options in central midfield. The youngster has the technical quality as well as the awareness that may help him thrive under Pep Guardiol and at the age of 18, he could indeed be an excellent long-term investment for the English champions this summer.
