Liverpool have opened discussions with Crystal Palace regarding a potential move for the 28-year-old winger Ismaila Sarr. The Reds, under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, are actively scouting options to bolster their wide areas after recent negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh reached an impasse. Sarr has emerged as one of the primary candidates in Liverpool's quest for fresh attacking talent on the flanks.
At present, Palace have made it clear that Sarr is not for sale. The club, which still has the player under a three-year contract, regards him as a key component of their squad and has no intention of parting with him at this stage.
This stance comes despite Liverpool's growing interest and the broader market turbulence surrounding several high‑profile wingers. The situation is further complicated by recent reports surrounding Sarr's fitness and training habits. He missed Crystal Palace's opening‑weekend loss to Everton, prompting speculation that he was refusing to train. However, sources close to the club have indicated that the winger is actually dealing with an injury, which has kept him sidelined.
Palace manager Pierre Sage addressed the rumours during his Wednesday press conference, emphasizing the player's contractual status and current health concerns. "I understand that for everyone involved this kind of contact is difficult because you hesitate a lot, but for the moment he is with us," Sage said. "He is under contract, he is injured, and maybe you can link his injury and the situation." Sage continued, highlighting his personal rapport with the player: "He is honest, and I have no problem with that.
I spoke with him this morning about that. Yesterday about that too, and we just want him on the pitch, and all the rest for the other people." This statement underscores the club's desire to see Sarr return to full fitness and contribute on the field, rather than become a bargaining chip in transfer negotiations. Liverpool's pursuit of Sarr is part of a broader strategic overhaul of their attacking options.
While PSG's Bradley Barcola has been identified as Liverpool's primary target on the wing, the club is not ruling out the acquisition of multiple wide players. The Reds are also monitoring the situation of Cody Gakpo, who has attracted interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
At present, Liverpool have signaled that they are not prepared to sell the Dutch forward, but they acknowledge that if Gakpo were to leave, they would likely need to bring in two quality wingers to maintain depth and competition. The stalled talks with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh add another layer of urgency to Liverpool's transfer agenda. Brighton have set a valuation of £80 million for the young striker, rejecting two earlier bids from Liverpool.
The most recent offer from the Liverpool board stood at £60 million, a figure the club is currently unwilling to meet, especially given Minteh's injury status. Medical reports suggest the Brighton forward will be unavailable until at least October, further diminishing his immediate value to the Reds. In this context, Ismaila Sarr represents a more immediate solution for Liverpool's wing problems.
The Senegalese international possesses pace, dribbling ability, and a proven record of contributing goals and assists in the Premier League. Should Liverpool manage to negotiate a deal with Palace—perhaps by offering a player swap, a future sell‑on clause, or a structured payment plan—they could secure a player who can make an impact this season rather than waiting for an injured Minteh to recover. Nevertheless, any potential deal must navigate Palace's firm stance on retaining Sarr.
The club's three‑year contract provides them with significant leverage, and they are likely to demand a substantial fee that reflects both the player's quality and his remaining contract length. Liverpool will need to balance their desire for immediate reinforcement against the financial prudence required to avoid overspending, especially given the high price tags already attached to other targets. Beyond the financial considerations, there are tactical implications to weigh.
Andoni Iraola has expressed a desire to implement a more dynamic, high‑pressing style of play, which requires wingers capable of both defending from the front and delivering quality service into the box. Sarr's ability to track back, combined with his attacking flair, aligns well with the tactical blueprint Iraola envisions for Anfield. Moreover, his experience in the Premier League could help him adapt quickly to Liverpool's system, reducing the acclimatization period that often accompanies new signings.
In summary, Liverpool are actively pursuing Ismaila Sarr as part of a broader effort to strengthen their wide areas, especially after negotiations over Yankuba Minteh have stalled. Palace, however, view Sarr as a valuable asset and have publicly stated that he is not for sale, citing his contract length and current injury as reasons to retain him.
The outcome of these talks will depend on Liverpool's willingness to meet Palace's valuation and possibly include creative clauses in the deal. Meanwhile, the club continues to monitor other winger prospects such as Bradley Barcola and remains prepared to act if Cody Gakpo's situation changes.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can secure the necessary reinforcement to support Iraola's tactical ambitions and maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.