Crystal Palace close in on new Ismaila Sarr contract, says Pierre Sage

Crystal Palace are nearing an agreement to extend Ismaila Sarr’s contract, manager Pierre Sage says.

The Senegal international’s current deal runs for three more seasons, but the club have decided to offer him improved long-term terms after rejecting approaches from Liverpool and Galatasaray during the summer.

Sarr has not yet signed the new agreement, although discussions are progressing positively.

“Ismaila Sarr has not signed yet, but discussions are under way and going well,” Sage told a news conference.

The 28-year-old missed the start of the season because of injury and has made only two substitute appearances, playing a total of 24 minutes.

Sage said the winger was now fully committed to Crystal Palace and that the club’s desire to keep him had helped change the situation.

“These kinds of situations are difficult for players, and we have to look at them objectively,” he said. “He is now 100% with us. The club showed its desire for him to stay for a long time. He understood that, took on board our message, and things have changed this week.”

The Palace manager was also encouraged by Sarr’s work in training.

“He played very well in the training session this week. It was his best week with us since the beginning, and I think we will work on developing the player, as you know,” Sage added.

Crystal Palace are preparing to face Nottingham Forest in the sixth round of the Premier League. Palace are 15th with four points, while Nottingham Forest sit 13th on five points.

Sarr joined Crystal Palace from French club Marseille in the summer of 2023-24. Before moving to Marseille, he played for Metz, Rennes and Watford.

He made 45 appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace last season, scoring 21 goals and providing two assists.

Sarr has won the Conference League, FA Cup and Community Shield with Crystal Palace. He was also the Conference League’s leading scorer last season and finished as the club’s top scorer.