Malang Sarr denies being slapped in incident linked to Neom move

Malang Sarr was reportedly confronted by several men at a luxury hotel in Marbella just weeks after joining Neom, following a dispute involving his former adviser over his transfer to Saudi Arabia.

The 27-year-old central defender was having dinner with two of his new team-mates in late July when several French nationals entered the hotel restaurant, according to L’Equipe.

Sarr was allegedly jostled before being taken against his will towards the bar. Witnesses also claimed he was slapped, although the Senegal international denies that part of the account.

The incident is understood to have been connected to disagreement over the player’s representation during his move to Neom. Sarr had posed for photographs at the time of his signing with another agent appointed by the club, reportedly angering his former adviser, who wanted to receive a commission from the transfer.

Sarr had become a free agent after leaving RC Lens and subsequently agreed a contract with Neom worth a reported 15m euros net of tax.

The men left the hotel after discovering that cameras had recorded what happened. Police, who had been called by Neom officials, arrived after the group had departed.

Sarr did not file a complaint and reportedly refused to pay any compensation. He has since put the episode behind him and is concentrating on beginning his career with Neom.