Liverpool Targets Ismaila Sarr as Transfer Deadline Approaches
Liverpool have launched their move for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, submitting an opening bid as the clock ticks down towards the transfer deadline.
With Mohamed Salah gone and Andoni Iraola demanding a new wide threat, Liverpool’s search has shifted decisively. Victor Munoz has already arrived from Osasuna, but inside Anfield there is a clear understanding: one winger is not enough.
From Minteh to Sarr
For much of this month, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh looked like the chosen man. Liverpool tested the Seagulls’ resolve twice, including an offer in the region of £60 million for the 22-year-old. Brighton stood firm. Talks dragged, then stalled over the weekend, and the momentum died.
That standstill forced Liverpool to pivot.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club have now “shelved” their interest in Minteh and turned fully towards Sarr. The approach has been swift. An offer of around £50 million is already on the table, with discussions ongoing at club level.
Crucially, Sarr is understood to be on board. Liverpool have the green light from the player, who is keen to make the jump to Anfield and join a front line being reshaped in Salah’s absence.
Palace dig in – but for how long?
Crystal Palace will not be easy sellers. Sarr is a key figure at Selhurst Park and has already attracted serious attention this summer. Two bids from Galatasaray have been rejected, and Liverpool’s opening offer will test just how determined Palace are to keep him.
The contract gives them leverage. Sarr is tied down until 2029, which means there is no immediate financial pressure to cash in. Palace can, in theory, hold their ground and force Liverpool to come back with more.
But there is another tension building. Sarr is understood to be eager to leave before the window closes next week. That desire, if it hardens, could shift the balance of power as deadline day looms.
Last season underlined his value. Nine league goals in 28 appearances, including one against Liverpool in Palace’s win at the start of the campaign, marked him out as one of the Eagles’ most dangerous weapons.
Sage’s stance
New Palace manager Pierre Sage has publicly nailed his colours to the mast. Sarr was left out of the squad that lost to Everton on the opening weekend because of a minor injury, but Sage moved quickly to stress that he sees the winger as part of his plans.
“The doctor, the player and I took the decision before our training session yesterday to let him have treatment,” Sage said after the game. “We don’t want him to leave, he is under contract with us for three years and he will be with us on Monday. That’s the most important information for me and for you.”
Those words underline Palace’s position. They do not want to sell. They do not feel forced to sell. Yet they may soon face a familiar Premier League dilemma: keep an unhappy star or cash in at peak value.
Liverpool, sensing opportunity and need in equal measure, have made their move. The question now is simple: will £50 million be enough to break Palace’s resistance, or does this saga head into the final frantic hours of the window?
