Liverpool make approach for Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr

Liverpool have approached Crystal Palace over a potential move for Ismaïla Sarr as Andoni Iraola searches for another winger before the transfer deadline, but Palace have made clear that the Senegal international is not for sale.

The move represents a significant shift in Liverpool’s late-window plans after negotiations with Brighton for Yankuba Minteh stalled over valuation. Sky Sports reports that Palace have been contacted directly about Sarr, while separate reporting from Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool have submitted a proposal worth around £50 million.

There is no agreement between the clubs and Palace’s position remains firm.

The south London club consider Sarr an important part of Pierre Sage’s squad and are reluctant to sanction his departure with only days remaining in the window. The 28-year-old has three years left on his contract, giving Palace considerable control over negotiations and little contractual pressure to sell.

Sarr’s importance has grown sharply after the most productive season of his career.

He scored 21 goals in all competitions for Palace in 2025/26, matching the club’s Premier League-era record for goals in a single season, as the Eagles added the UEFA Conference League to a period of unprecedented success. His combination of direct running, speed in transition and increasing efficiency around goal made him one of Palace’s most decisive attacking players.

Those qualities also explain Liverpool’s interest.

Iraola’s squad remains short of established options on the right side of the attack, and Liverpool have spent the closing stages of the market exploring several different solutions. Their pursuit of Minteh has reached an impasse after Brighton rejected two offers, the latest worth £60m, and continued to demand around £80m.

Sarr presents a very different proposition.

Unlike a younger player being recruited primarily for development, he is already proven in English football and would arrive with extensive Premier League experience. He can operate from either flank but is most dangerous when given space to accelerate towards the penalty area, particularly in transition or when attacking the channel between full-back and centre-back.

His familiarity with the league would also reduce the adaptation risk attached to a late transfer.

Liverpool’s interest should not, however, be interpreted as evidence that they have abandoned their pursuit of Bradley Barcola. The Paris Saint-Germain forward remains their leading wide target, and Sky Sports reports that Liverpool could sign more than one winger if the right deals become available.

The emergence of Sarr therefore reflects the scale of Liverpool’s attacking recruitment rather than a simple switch from one target to another.

Palace have already resisted interest in the Senegalese this summer. Galatasaray pursued Sarr earlier in the window, but the Eagles maintained publicly that they wanted him to remain at Selhurst Park. Sage reinforced that position on Wednesday, saying he expects the winger to stay and stressing that he remains under contract.

Sarr’s recent absence has added another layer to the speculation.

He missed Palace’s opening Premier League defeat at Everton, prompting suggestions that his omission was connected to the transfer market. Palace’s position is that he is dealing with an injury, and Sage said he had spoken directly with the player and had no concerns about his conduct.

That distinction is important as Liverpool test Palace’s resolve.

This is not currently a situation in which a player has been removed from first-team plans or a selling club is actively negotiating an exit. Liverpool have made their interest concrete, but Palace are starting from the position that Sarr should remain.

A proposal around £50m would nevertheless force a significant decision.

Palace signed Sarr from Marseille in 2024 for a fraction of that figure and have since seen him develop into one of their most productive attacking players. Accepting a major late-window offer would generate a substantial return, but it would also leave Sage with very little time to replace a forward responsible for 21 goals last season.

For Liverpool, the calculation is equally clear. With Brighton holding firm over Minteh and negotiations for Barcola requiring an even greater financial commitment, Sarr offers a Premier League-proven alternative capable of contributing immediately.

The first move has now been made.

What has not changed is Palace’s resistance. Liverpool have opened the conversation and a £50m proposal has been reported, but there is no agreement and no indication yet that Palace are prepared to soften their stance.

With the deadline approaching, the next development will determine whether Liverpool’s approach becomes a genuine negotiation — or whether Palace’s “not for sale” position brings another winger pursuit to an early end.