“We’ll keep him”: Pierre Sage insists Ismaïla Sarr will stay at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has insisted Ismaïla Sarr will remain at the club despite continued interest from Turkish side Galatasaray in the Senegal international.

Sage was asked about Galatasaray’s pursuit of Sarr during a press conference and made Crystal Palace’s position clear.

“We will keep him, we will keep him.”

The manager also described Sarr as an important member of his squad and confirmed that the forward is available for Crystal Palace’s opening Premier League fixture.

“He’s a really important player for the club and for us. He’ll be able to play this weekend.”

Sage’s comments come after Galatasaray made an initial offer for the Senegalese forward. Crystal Palace rejected that proposal, making it clear that the English club are not currently prepared to allow Sarr to leave.

The situation remains complicated by reports that Sarr has already reached an agreement with Galatasaray over a four-year contract.

According to information previously reported by journalist Nabil Djellit, the player is said to favour a move to the Turkish club, with the opportunity to play in the Champions League understood to be an important factor in his preference.

Despite that reported agreement, Crystal Palace’s current position is to retain the player.

Sarr has become a key part of the club’s plans, according to Sage, and his availability for the start of the Premier League season underlines his importance to the manager.

The Senegal international is expected to be involved when Palace begin their league campaign away from home.

Crystal Palace are due to travel to Everton for their opening Premier League match on Saturday at 14:00 GMT, with Sarr expected to be available for selection.

For now, the club’s stance appears clear despite Galatasaray’s interest and the reported agreement between the player and the Turkish side.

Sage has publicly stated that Palace intend to keep Sarr, leaving Galatasaray facing a difficult task if they are to persuade the English club to change their position.

The forward’s future therefore remains a talking point, but Crystal Palace have made their immediate intentions clear: Sarr remains part of their plans and is expected to be available for the start of the Premier League season.