Ismaïla Sarr wants Crystal Palace exit as Galatasaray move beckons

Ismaïla Sarr is reportedly determined to leave Crystal Palace this summer and is prepared for a confrontation with the club as he pushes for a move to Galatasaray.

The Senegal international enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions before adding four goals at the World Cup in the United States.

Those performances have increased interest in the 28-year-old forward, but Crystal Palace have no intention of making his departure easy.

Sarr had hoped the club would facilitate a move this summer following his impressive campaign. Instead, Palace are standing firm on their decision to retain their leading scorer.

The Senegalese striker scored nine goals for the Eagles last season and was named Europa League Conference Player of the Year.

Crystal Palace are also understood to want €60m for Sarr, whose current contract runs until 2029.

The club’s position has reportedly frustrated the player, who is now said to be considering more drastic measures in an attempt to secure his departure.

Sarr has reportedly refused to train in recent days and does not want to feature when Crystal Palace travel to Everton on Saturday afternoon at 14:00 GMT for their opening Premier League match of the season.

However, new Palace manager Pierre Sage has rejected suggestions that the club are prepared to allow their forward to leave.

“We’re going to keep him; we’re going to keep him. He’s a very important player for the club and for us. He’ll be able to play this weekend ,” declared the French coach.

Galatasaray have already made contact with Crystal Palace over a potential transfer and are understood to have submitted an offer of €30m.

That proposal falls well short of Palace’s reported valuation, leaving the Turkish club facing a difficult task as they attempt to convince the English side to sell.

Galatasaray’s interest is driven by their desire to strengthen their squad, but they are reluctant to lose the opportunity to sign Sarr as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Another offer is expected to follow as the Turkish club continues its pursuit.

For Sarr, the attraction of a move to Galatasaray is closely linked to the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

The 28-year-old has won 88 international caps for Senegal, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists. Despite his experience, he has never played in the Champions League league phase, apart from two preliminary-round appearances for Olympique de Marseille against Panathinaikos three years ago.

The forward is now keen to finally compete in the competition, making a move to Galatasaray particularly appealing.

Sarr’s situation has therefore reached a crucial stage, with the player wanting a transfer, Galatasaray pursuing him and Crystal Palace insisting they want to keep their star forward.

Whether the two sides can reach an agreement remains to be seen, but Palace’s reported €60m valuation means Galatasaray may have to substantially improve their offer to change the club’s position.