Ismaila Sarr needs time to heal after Liverpool move collapses – Pierre Sage

Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr needs time to come to terms with the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, head coach Pierre Sage has admitted.

The Senegal international was heavily linked with a late transfer to Anfield after emerging as Palace’s leading scorer last season. However, despite the reported interest from the Premier League champions, the move failed to materialise before the transfer window closed, leaving the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park.

Sage acknowledged the disappointment for Sarr, describing a move to a club of Liverpool’s stature as a dream for many players.

“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club (Liverpool).

“He had a good opportunity but in the end it didn’t work. If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year. We know he needs time.

“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that.”

Injury adds to Sarr’s difficult start

Sarr’s immediate focus has also been complicated by injury, with the forward yet to make an appearance for Palace this season.

He missed the opening Premier League defeat at Everton and the subsequent home loss to Manchester City because of a groin problem. Sage confirmed that Sarr will not recover in time to feature when Palace travel to Fulham on Saturday.

His absence comes at a difficult moment for Palace, who must now manage without one of their most important attacking outlets while also helping him move beyond the disappointment of the failed Liverpool transfer.

Sarr will be expected to play a key role once he returns, having finished last season as the Eagles’ top scorer.

Palace miss out on Fofana

With Sarr’s future uncertain during the final stages of the window, Palace explored the possibility of signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

The Eagles pushed to secure the 21-year-old Belgium international on deadline day, but their efforts proved unsuccessful after Fofana opted to join Sunderland instead in a deal reportedly worth £30 million.

Sage said Palace had done everything possible to complete the transfer but accepted that the final decision rested with the player.

“We gave our best,” added Frenchman Sage on the negotiations. “At the end of the day the player chose his criteria and I wish him and them the best because he’s a good guy and a good player.”

Palace seek response against Fulham

Palace now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Fulham as they look to build momentum following a turbulent period.

Fulham have also endured a difficult opening to the campaign, losing their first two Premier League matches against Chelsea at home before suffering defeat away to Sunderland.

For Palace, however, the immediate priority is ensuring Sarr can recover fully and return to the squad ready to contribute, while Sage hopes the forward can eventually put the disappointment of missing out on Liverpool behind him.