Fenerbahce switch focus to Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr

Fenerbahce have turned their attention to Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr after failing to sign Rafael Leao, with the Senegal international understood to have given his initial approval to a move to Turkey.

The Turkish club are stepping up their efforts to complete the transfer, according to Italian journalist Marco Conterio. Negotiations are continuing between Fenerbahce, known as the Sarı Kanaryalar, and Crystal Palace as the two clubs work towards reaching a final agreement.

Sarr’s willingness to join Fenerbahce potentially removes one of the main obstacles to the deal, although discussions between the clubs remain ongoing. The Turkish side are now attempting to turn that reported agreement in principle into a completed transfer.

The 28-year-old is coming off a highly successful season with Crystal Palace and also represented Senegal at the World Cup, where he scored four goals. His form has made him a key part of the current negotiations, with Fenerbahce identifying him as their next major target after their unsuccessful attempt to bring in Rafael Leao.

For Crystal Palace, losing Sarr would be another significant sporting setback. The club have already suffered the departure of Maxence Lacroix, meaning a potential transfer for the Senegal winger would represent a further loss to their squad.

Sarr remains under contract with Crystal Palace until 30 June 2029. Despite the length of that agreement, Fenerbahce are pursuing a deal for a player whose current market value is estimated at 45m euros by Transfermarkt.

That valuation places Sarr among the most significant financial targets in Fenerbahce’s current transfer plans. The Turkish club’s interest has intensified after their pursuit of Rafael Leao failed to produce an agreement, prompting them to redirect their recruitment strategy towards the Crystal Palace player.

Sarr, who was born in Saint-Louis, is currently paid an annual salary of 4,348,684 euros at Crystal Palace. That figure is equivalent to 2,826,644,600 CFA francs.

The negotiations between Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace therefore remain the decisive stage of the proposed move. While Sarr is reportedly prepared to join the Turkish club, the transfer cannot be completed until the two sides settle the terms of the deal.

For now, Fenerbahce’s interest has progressed beyond an initial approach, with the player’s reported approval providing encouragement to the Sarı Kanaryalar. However, Crystal Palace’s position will determine whether the negotiations can be concluded and whether Sarr leaves the club despite having a contract that runs until 2029.