Senegalese star goes from second tier straight to Champions League

From France to England and back.

That's the path of Ismaila Sarr, who is on the verge of sealing the deal with the Ligue 1 powerhouse Olympique Marseille. The 25-year-old Senegalese winger spent last season with the EFL Championship outfit Watford, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals and recording six assists. He previously joined Watford from Rennes for a club-record fee of £28.8 million.

Sarr is scheduled to undergo a medical on Monday and personal terms are in place ahead of the proposed transfer to OM being completed. Marseille finished last season in third place and are fighting for place in the Champions League through qualifications.

The Senegalese has a year left to run on his current contract with Watford, but there have been no meaningful talks about an extension at Vicarage Road. According to British media, Aston Villa came close to signing the Senegal international last year, while Crystal Palace and Tottenham have previously monitored his situation.

But the attacker, who played at the World Cup in Qatar last year, is now poised to make a move to Ligue 1, with his playing style viewed as a perfect match for Marseille coach Marcelino.