Crystal Palace Reject Liverpool's Verbal Bid for Ismaila Sarr
Crystal Palace have turned down a verbal offer from Liverpool for winger Ismaila Sarr, according to multiple reports. The bid, worth less than £40 million, fell short of the valuation Palace would have considered, and the club remains firm in its stance that the Senegal international will not leave Selhurst Park before the transfer window closes.
The proposal, which was reported by TEAMtalk and Sports Mole, came after Liverpool had explored a late move for the 28-year-old as they considered attacking options. However, Palace have consistently maintained throughout the summer that they have no intention of selling Sarr, who is under contract until 2029.
Palace's new head coach Pierre Sage has publicly backed the winger, saying: "I understand for everybody that you have this kind of contact, it's difficult because you hesitate a lot, but, for the moment, he's with us." Sage added that Sarr is currently injured and that the club simply wants him back on the pitch following his return from the World Cup. "He is under contract [until 2029], as I told you," Sage said. "He's injured and, maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation, but for me, he's honest, and I have no problem with that."
According to TEAMtalk, Palace are not expecting a further bid from Liverpool on deadline day, and even if an improved offer were to arrive, sources insist the club would reject it. Earlier in the summer, Manchester United were also reported to have enquired about Sarr, but no formal approach followed.
Liverpool's Attacking Plans
Liverpool's pursuit of Sarr was part of a broader assessment of their wide-attacking options. The Reds have already completed the £123 million signing of Bradley Barcola, leaving the France international competing with Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz for places on the flanks.
Reports state that Liverpool decided to keep Gakpo at Anfield despite interest from Manchester City, a move that appears to have reduced the need for another wide player. Gakpo, who is familiar with the Premier League and capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, offers Liverpool a proven attacking option without requiring further investment.
Brighton's Yankuba Minteh has also been mentioned as a potential option for Liverpool, but his valuation is said to be high, making a move difficult.
Conclusion
With Palace refusing to sell and Liverpool having already secured Barcola, the prospect of a Sarr transfer appears to have ended for now. Sarr, who has yet to feature for Palace this season, is expected to return to training this week, and the club remains confident in its position as the deadline approaches.