Liverpool's Pursuit of Ismaïla Sarr Blocked by Palace
Liverpool’s search for a successor to Mohamed Salah has hit another wall, with Crystal Palace standing firm over Ismaïla Sarr.
The Anfield club sounded out Palace over the winger’s availability as the transfer window ticks towards its close and, according to reports, even saw a bid of around €58.4 million mentioned by Fabrizio Romano. The Athletic, though, painted a different picture, insisting no formal offer was ever lodged.
What both sides of the story agree on is the outcome: Liverpool asked. Palace said no. Sarr is not for sale.
Palace Stand Their Ground
This is not the first time Palace have had to repel interest in the 28‑year‑old this summer. Galatasaray tested their resolve with two separate bids, only to be turned away each time. The Turkish side are not expected to come back again.
Palace’s stance is understandable. Sarr has grown into one of their crown jewels. He has racked up 116 Premier League appearances and was a driving force as the Eagles claimed the Europa Conference League title, scoring 21 goals in the competition for the club. Performances at that level attract attention. Big clubs were always going to circle.
Liverpool are the latest heavyweight to do so, but Palace have drawn a line.
A Complicated Summer on the Right
The refusal is another twist in what has become a tangled summer for Liverpool on the right flank.
The club have been linked with a string of right-wingers as they plan for life beyond Salah. Andoni Iraola’s side initially focused on Yankuba Minteh, only for that trail to go cold when Brighton’s valuation – believed to be around €90m – proved too steep. The Merseysiders walked away.
Attention then shifted. Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG has been heavily discussed behind the scenes. Now Sarr has emerged as the latest name on a growing list, only for Palace’s hard stance to shut that door as well.
The pressure to get this signing right is obvious. Liverpool are not just buying a squad option; they are trying to reshape an entire attacking dynamic.
Barcola Talks Add Another Layer
While the Sarr pursuit stalls, Liverpool are also in talks with PSG over Bradley Barcola. The French international prefers to operate from the left, which would give Liverpool a different profile of attacker but still add another high-level option to Iraola’s front line.
So the picture is clear: Liverpool are active, aggressive and willing to spend, but they are running into clubs who know exactly what they have and are refusing to blink.
Palace have made their position on Ismaïla Sarr unmistakable. If Liverpool want their long-term right-wing solution before the window slams shut, they may have to look elsewhere – and quickly.
