Bemused Pape Sarr laughs at Cristian Romero’s behind-the-scenes photo
Pape Sarr has jokingly responded to Cristian Romero’s changing room photo as Tottenham continue their pre-season preparations in Hong Kong.
The Senegalese international has found his feet in north London after stepping up last season.
Signed from Ligue 1 side Metz in August 2021, the 22-year-old formally joined his parent club in June 2022.
The centre-midfielder was a bit part player in Antonio Conte’s final season at the club, making 14 appearances in all competitions.
Yet, upon the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, his tenacity and work-rate caught the eye of the Australian as he played 35 times in the 2023-24 campaign.
The former Celtic boss gave Sarr more game time to shine as the number 29 featured 55 times during Spurs’ mixed year, picking up six goals.
After the sacking of Postecoglou following Europa League glory, the midfielder has already impressed new manager Thomas Frank, scoring twice in their 2-2 draw against Wycombe.
He’ll look to take this form forward in pre-season as the Lilywhites continue their preparation in Hong Kong with Arsenal next up.
Sarr joking around in pre-season
The Senegalese shared centre-back Romero’s Instagram story (29 July) after their open training session in Hong Kong.
Captioned: “Everyday”, followed by a laughing face emoji, the midfielder was clearly in good jest with the World Cup winner.
The Argentinian, who has captained the Lilywhites in Son Heung-Min’s absence, is seen smiling in the photo with his arm around his teammate.
Tottenham African representation grows
Football Insider verdict
The arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for around £55million (The Athletic) has added another player hailing from the African continent.
The Ghanian joins up with Sarr as well as Malian Yves Bissouma, following in the footsteps of other African stars such as Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Steven Pienaar.
However, the Lilywhites will have to prepare themselves for the absence of the Malian and Senegalese due to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) between December 2025 and January 2026.
In a crucial period for all Premier League sides, Spurs will lose two of their key midfielders, forcing Frank to find a way to play without them.
Tottenham are not the only side that will be affected by the biennial football tournament.
League champions Liverpool will be without Golden Boot winner Mohammed Salah whilst Man City will temporarily lose new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri and Egyptian Omar Marmoush.
The competition is set to cause mayhem for clubs all over the world and adds to the growing problem of fixture pile-ups.
Given the World Cup will take place next summer, African players could be playing in two international tournaments in one season.
For Tottenham, they’ll be hoping Mali and Senegal don’t go far in the competition so they can get their midfielders back for the busy Christmas period.