Liverpool have shifted their focus to Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr as they search for wide attacking reinforcements before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Anfield club aims to secure two signings for the position, with ongoing negotiations also involving Paris St-Germain for France winger Bradley Barcola.
Transfer Strategy Shift
The move follows Brighton’s rejection of two Liverpool bids for 22-year-old Yankuba Minteh, valued at £50m and £60m. Like Minteh, the 26-year-old Sarr is a right-sided winger with established Premier League experience. Sarr, who has earned 81 caps and scored 23 goals for Senegal, netted 21 times for Palace last season. While sources indicated to Sport that a bid was made, both Liverpool and Crystal Palace have denied this.
Crystal Palace Stance
- Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage expressed a desire for Sarr and team-mate Jean-Philippe Mateta to remain at the club.
- Regarding Sarr’s future, Sage stated: “For the moment, yes, because when you have three years on the contract it is not easy to leave.”
- Sage addressed potential Liverpool interest, noting that while such contact can cause player hesitation, Sarr remains under contract.
- The manager also commented on Sarr’s current fitness: “He is injured and maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation. But for me, he is honest and I have no problem with that.”
Palace are reportedly not open to selling the attacker this summer, despite interest from Galatasaray last week. Sage emphasized that the club’s priority is getting Sarr back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
