Liverpool have opened formal discussions with Crystal Palace regarding a possible transfer for the talented winger Ismaila Sarr. The Reds, managed by Andoni Iraola, are actively reviewing their options after negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh reached an impasse. Sarr has emerged as one of several candidates Liverpool are scouting as they aim to add depth and quality to their wide‑area options.
At present, Palace have made it clear that they are not prepared to part with Sarr. The 28‑year‑old is under contract for another three seasons and the club regards him as a key member of their squad.
While rumors have circulated that Sarr missed Palace's opening‑day loss to Everton because he was refusing to train, insiders now confirm that the winger is actually dealing with a minor injury, which has kept him out of action. When Palace manager Pierre‑Sébastien Sage was asked about the forward’s future during his Wednesday press conference, he responded candidly: "I understand that for everyone involved a situation like this creates a lot of uncertainty, but at the moment he remains with us. He is under contract, he is injured, and perhaps his injury is part of why the transfer talks have stalled." Sage added that the club values Sarr’s professionalism: "He is honest, and I have no issue with that.
I spoke with him this morning about the situation, and again yesterday. Our priority is simply to get him back on the pitch, and to let the rest of the squad focus on their own responsibilities." Liverpool’s interest in Sarr comes amid a broader overhaul of their attacking flanks.
While Paris Saint‑Germain’s youngster Bradley Barcola has been identified as the club’s primary target, there is a realistic chance that the Merseyside side could secure more than one winger in the upcoming window. The Reds are also monitoring the situation of Cody Gakpo, who has attracted attention from both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Liverpool have made it clear that they are not willing to sell the Dutch forward at this stage, and should he eventually leave, the club would likely need to bring in two new wide players to replace him. The negotiations with Brighton over Yankuba Minteh have stalled as well.
Brighton have set a valuation of £80 million for the young attacker and have turned down two separate bids from Liverpool. The most recent offer from Andoni Iraola’s side was reportedly around £60 million, a figure the Reds are currently unwilling to meet, especially given Minteh’s injury problems that are expected to keep him sidelined until at least October.
In summary, Liverpool are actively pursuing options to strengthen their wing positions. Ismaila Sarr remains a top candidate, but Crystal Palace’s firm stance on keeping the player, combined with his existing contract and injury status, means that any deal would require careful negotiation. Simultaneously, the club continues to monitor other potential signings such as Bradley Barcola and remains vigilant about the market for Cody Gakpo should circumstances change.
The outcome of these discussions will shape Liverpool’s attacking options for the next season, with the ultimate goal of adding depth, pace, and creativity to a side that is eager to compete on multiple fronts.