Manchester United are reportedly among a few Premier League sides interested in signing FC Metz’s teenage prodigy Pape Sarr.
Regarded as one of the brightest young talents in France, Pape Sarr’s emergence has made him a wanted commodity in the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on securing his signature before the end of the transfer window this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are looking to buy the Senegalese midfielder. They also want to loan him back to Metz for the season, in an attempt to tempt the Ligue 1 club to enter into an agreement.
Pape Sarr, 18, made his professional debut with Generation Foot in his native Senegal before joining FC Metz last summer. After just one game with the reserves, the young midfielder was promoted to the first-team squad in November and he quickly developed into a first-team regular.
The teenager made 22 Ligue 1 appearances in his debut campaign with FC Metz, scoring three goals. Sarr has featured in their first two games of the new Ligue 1 season as well, with Frederic Antonetti’s side drawing to defending champions Lille on the opening matchday, before losing to Nantes on Sunday.
Pape Sarr to Manchester United – A smart long-term investment?
Manchester United have laid down an early marker with a 5-1 thrashing of bitter rivals Leeds United in their season opener at Old Trafford, with midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba starring the show.
It was just the start Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted from his team against a really tricky opponent in Leeds. The high-profile additions of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, who was unveiled in front of the boisterous Old Trafford prior to kick-off on Saturday, will massively help Solskjaer’s Red Army to challenge for the Premier League title this term.
Manchester United have one of the best midfield departments in the Premier League, with Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Juan Mata all available for Solskjaer.
However, with Matic and Mata into their thirties and Pogba’s future uncertain having entered the final year of his contract, the Red Devils could do well by adding a young midfielder with an eye on the future.
Pape Sarr, in that regard, would be ideal at Manchester United.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Sarr can also play as a No.8 or at No.10 when required, as demonstrated during his first season in French football. Such versatility would be a big plus for United, who have shown signs of improvement under Solskjaer in the last couple of years.
The two-cap Senegalese international would add quality to the Reds’ midfield, whilst being a long-term replacement for the ageing Matic. At 18, Sarr has plenty of room to develop his game and establish himself as the best in his position in the future.
Thus, Manchester United must do everything in their powers to beat the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City to the signature of the highly-rated Metz midfielder.