Al Hilal enter race to sign Senegal star Ismaïla Sarr

Al Hilal have reportedly opened discussions over a potential move for Senegal international Ismaïla Sarr as the summer transfer window approaches its deadline.

The Saudi giants have identified the Crystal Palace winger as a potential addition to their squad and are understood to be exploring the possibility of making a late move for the 27-year-old.

According to reports, Al-Hilal have expressed strong interest in Sarr and could step up their pursuit with a formal offer in the final hours of the transfer window.

However, no official bid has been submitted to Crystal Palace at this stage.

Al-Hilal are instead closely monitoring the situation and assessing whether they can reach an agreement with Palace for the Senegalese forward before the window closes.

The Saudi giants’ interest adds another layer of uncertainty to Sarr’s future, with Galatasaray already pushing strongly to secure his signature.

The Turkish giants are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Crystal Palace and are working to reach an agreement over the financial terms of a potential transfer.

Galatasaray’s pursuit had placed them in a strong position in the race for the Senegal international, but Al-Hilal’s late involvement could now complicate matters.

With the transfer window nearing its deadline, Palace could face increasing pressure as both clubs assess the possibility of signing one of their most important attacking players.

Sarr joined Crystal Palace from Marseille in the summer of 2024 and has since established himself as an important attacking option for the Premier League club.

The Senegalese international enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, producing his most productive spell since arriving in England.

He made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing two assists.

Those numbers have naturally attracted attention from clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options, with both Galatasaray and Al-Hilal now showing serious interest in the winger.

Sarr’s pace, direct running and ability to operate in multiple attacking positions make him an attractive target for clubs searching for an experienced forward with international pedigree.

At 27, he is also entering the prime years of his career, making the possibility of a lucrative move particularly significant.

For Crystal Palace, however, the situation presents an important decision.

The club must now determine whether to retain one of their key attacking players or consider a substantial offer should either Al-Hilal or Galatasaray formally present one before the transfer deadline.

While Galatasaray have already made progress in negotiations, Al-Hilal’s reported interest could lead to a late twist in the transfer saga.

The Saudi club have considerable financial resources and could potentially test Palace’s resolve with an attractive proposal.

For Sarr, the situation leaves his future uncertain with the transfer window rapidly approaching its conclusion.

A move to Galatasaray would offer him the opportunity to continue his career in Turkish football and compete for domestic and European honours, while a switch to Al-Hilal would take him to the increasingly competitive Saudi Pro League.

For now, however, no agreement has been reached with either club.

Al-Hilal are monitoring the situation, Galatasaray remain in talks with Crystal Palace, and Sarr’s future is yet to be decided.

With the transfer deadline approaching, the Senegal international could become the subject of a late transfer battle between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.