Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr misses Everton opener amid Galatasaray transfer claims

Ismaila Sarr appears to be heading towards the Crystal Palace exit, with reports in Turkey claiming the Senegal forward is refusing to play in an attempt to secure a move to Galatasaray.

Sarr was not included in the Crystal Palace squad for the opening Premier League match of the new season against Everton. His absence has prompted speculation that the 26-year-old is trying to force a transfer, although Palace manager Pierre Sage has said the player is dealing with a minor injury.

The conflicting accounts have placed Sarr’s immediate future at the centre of attention. Rumours circulating around the Senegal international suggest his omission is linked to his desire to join Galatasaray, while Sage’s explanation is that the forward is unavailable because of a slight injury.

Turkish newspaper Fanatik reports that Sarr and Galatasaray have already reached an agreement over a four-year contract. That claim would represent a potential step towards a move, but any transfer would still depend on an agreement between the Turkish club and Crystal Palace.

Palace are understood to be demanding a substantial fee for Sarr, meaning the reported agreement between the player and Galatasaray does not by itself guarantee that the transfer will be completed. The English club’s asking price remains a key issue in negotiations.

For now, Sarr’s status at Crystal Palace remains uncertain. He has been linked with a departure, but there has been no confirmation that he has formally submitted a transfer request or that a deal with Galatasaray has been concluded.

The forward’s absence from the matchday squad against Everton has added to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. While reports of a strike have intensified speculation that he is seeking to leave, the position given by Sage is that Sarr’s non-selection is the result of a minor injury.

Fanatik’s report that the player has agreed personal terms with Galatasaray, together with Palace’s demand for a sizeable transfer fee, leaves the next stage dependent on negotiations between the clubs. Until those talks produce an agreement, Sarr remains a Crystal Palace player despite the growing expectation that his time at the club could be coming to an end.

The Senegal international’s possible move to Galatasaray is therefore at an early and unresolved stage. His reported four-year agreement with the Turkish side has been noted, but Crystal Palace’s financial expectations must still be met before a transfer can take place.