Liverpool rejected by Crystal Palace in bid for Ismaila Sarr

Crystal Palace have turned down a summer offer from Liverpool for Senegal international Ismaila Sarr, according to The Athletic.

Liverpool are looking to strengthen on the right wing following Mohamed Salah’s departure and identified Sarr as a possible replacement. However, Palace are not currently prepared to sell their players and have rejected the approach.

The Athletic reports that Palace could reconsider their position if Liverpool return with an exceptionally large offer.

Liverpool’s interest in Sarr follows Brighton’s rejection of a bid for Gambia international Yankuba Minteh, who was also being considered to fill the same position. Liverpool reportedly offered up to £60m for Minteh, but Brighton turned down the proposal.

Sarr, 28, joined Palace after a season at Marseille, having previously spent four years with Watford. He moved to the Premier League club from French side Metz in 2019 before transferring to Marseille in the summer of 2023. After one season in France, he moved to Palace.

The Senegal forward made 45 appearances in all competitions for Palace last season, scoring 21 goals and providing two assists.

He has won the UEFA Conference League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Palace, and was the leading scorer in the Conference League last season. He also finished as his club’s top scorer during the campaign.

At international level, Sarr helped Senegal win the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool remain keen to add players capable of operating on both flanks as they continue to reshape their attacking options. The club are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible move for Bradley Barcola, who can play on the left wing.

Sarr was absent from Palace’s opening match of the season, a defeat by Everton. New Palace manager Pierre Sage said the Senegal international missed the game because of an injury.

Sarr began his professional career with Metz before establishing himself in English football at Watford. During his time at Vicarage Road, he became one of the club’s main attacking threats before leaving for Marseille.

His performances for Palace last season, including his goal record across all competitions, have made him an attractive target as Liverpool assess alternatives for their wide attacking positions. But Palace’s initial refusal means Liverpool will have to decide whether to improve their offer or pursue other targets.

The club’s unsuccessful approach for Minteh and its ongoing discussions over Barcola underline Liverpool’s search for more attacking depth, with negotiations continuing over potential reinforcements on both the right and left sides.