Liverpool have officially opened discussions with Crystal Palace about the possible acquisition of winger Ismaila Sarr. The Merseyside club, managed by Andoni Iraola, is actively reviewing its options after negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh stalled earlier this summer.
Sarr has emerged as one of several candidates Liverpool are scouting to add depth and quality to their flanks. At present, Palace are making it clear that Sarr is not for sale.
The 28‑year‑old French‑Senegalese international has three years remaining on his current contract, and the club’s hierarchy have repeatedly stressed that they intend to keep him as part of their core squad for the foreseeable future. Despite the rumors swirling in the transfer market, the Eagles have signalled that any move for the player would have to be mutually beneficial and occur under the right circumstances. The situation surrounding Sarr’s recent absence from the first team has added another layer of complexity. He missed Palace’s opening‑day defeat to Everton, and early reports suggested that he was refusing to train.
However, further information revealed that the winger is actually dealing with a minor injury, which has kept him out of action. Palace manager Pierre Sage addressed the issue in a press conference on Wednesday, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation but emphasizing that Sarr remains under contract and is currently sidelined due to his physical problem.
"I understand that everyone finds it hard to discuss a player when there is uncertainty," Sage said. "He is injured, he is under contract, and we are focusing on getting him back on the pitch as soon as possible." Sage also spoke about his personal relationship with the player, noting that they had spoken on multiple occasions about the ongoing speculation. "He is an honest professional, and I have no issue with his attitude.
We have talked this morning and yesterday, and our priority is simply to see him fit and playing for the team," the manager added. Liverpool’s interest in Sarr fits into a broader strategic plan to reinforce their wide areas. While the Reds have already identified PSG’s Bradley Barcola as a primary target, they are not ruling out the acquisition of more than one winger this summer.
The club’s scouting department has been busy compiling a shortlist that includes several promising talents across Europe, all of whom could potentially complement the existing attacking options. One of the other names frequently linked with Liverpool is Dutch forward Cody Gakpo.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have both shown interest in the versatile attacker, but Liverpool have made it clear that they are not prepared to sell him at this stage. Should Gakpo eventually depart, the Anfield side would likely need to bring in two wingers to maintain balance across the front line, which further underscores the importance of securing a player like Sarr.
Meanwhile, the negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh have reached an impasse. Brighton have set a valuation of around £80 million for the young Ghanaian, rejecting two earlier bids from Liverpool.
The most recent offer from the Reds, reportedly worth £60 million, fell short of the Seagulls’ expectations. Adding to the difficulty, Minteh is currently nursing an injury that is expected to keep him out of action until at least October, making Liverpool reluctant to meet Brighton’s asking price for a player who cannot contribute immediately. The stalled talks with Brighton and the firm stance taken by Palace mean that Liverpool must weigh their options carefully. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on securing quality players who can make an immediate impact while also providing long‑term value.
In the case of Sarr, his experience in the Premier League, combined with his pace and ability to cut inside, makes him an attractive prospect for a Liverpool side looking to diversify its attacking play. If a deal were to materialise, several logistical considerations would need to be addressed. Sarr’s contract runs until 2027, meaning any transfer fee would have to reflect the remaining three‑year term.
Additionally, the player’s injury status would likely be scrutinised by Liverpool’s medical team before any agreement is finalised. Should the Reds decide to move forward, they would also need to negotiate a personal terms package that satisfies Sarr’s wage expectations and includes performance‑related bonuses. Beyond the immediate transfer saga, Liverpool continue to explore other avenues to strengthen their squad.
The club’s scouting network is actively monitoring emerging talents in the French Ligue 1, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the German Bundesliga, with an eye on players who can offer versatility, work rate, and technical skill. The overarching goal is to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts – the Premier League, the Champions League, and domestic cup competitions – while also planning for the future as older players phase out. In summary, Liverpool’s approach to Crystal Palace for Ismaila Sarr represents a calculated move within a larger transfer campaign that includes targets like Bradley Barcola and potential replacements for Cody Gakpo. Palace remain resolute in keeping Sarr, citing his contract length and current injury as key reasons for their stance.
Meanwhile, negotiations with Brighton over Minteh have stalled over valuation disagreements, leaving Liverpool to consider alternative options to bolster their wing positions. The coming weeks will likely see intensified discussions, medical assessments, and perhaps a reshuffling of priorities as the club strives to assemble a balanced and competitive roster for the upcoming season.