Ismaila Sarr Pushes for Liverpool Move as Crystal Palace Face Transfer Decision
Liverpool’s search for another attacking option could be entering a decisive phase, with Ismaila Sarr reportedly making clear his desire to leave Crystal Palace and move to Anfield.
According to Foot Mercato, the Senegal international has communicated his intentions directly to Palace chairman Steve Parish. Liverpool have already seen an opening offer rejected, leaving negotiations between the clubs as the major obstacle to any agreement.
🚨EXCL : Ismaïla Sarr veut quitter Crystal Palace et rejoindre Liverpool ! 🇸🇳🔴
Selon un membre de sa famille au Sénégal, le joueur considère que son aventure à Palace est terminée et aurait directement fait part de sa volonté de départ à Steve Parish.
Très déterminé à … pic.twitter.com/2ItN4D1GeO
— 🇸🇳 Øلم (@laloumance) August 30, 2026
Sarr Makes Liverpool Preference Clear
Liverpool’s pursuit of a right winger has been one of the recurring themes of August. Yankuba Minteh has proved difficult to prise away from Brighton, while other possibilities have fallen away as the transfer window has developed.
Bradley Barcola’s reported arrival for a medical represents significant progress elsewhere in the attack, although Liverpool seemingly remain interested in adding another player capable of operating from the right.
Foot Mercato report that Sarr wants Liverpool.
The 28 year old is said to have informed Parish of his wish to leave Palace and is now waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement. He has also reportedly spoken to those around him about continuing the connection between Senegalese footballers and Liverpool, following El Hadji Diouf and, more successfully, Sadio Mané.
Sarr’s position potentially gives Liverpool encouragement, although Palace remain in control contractually.
Crystal Palace Hold Strong Negotiating Position
Palace signed Sarr from Marseille in 2024 for a reported £12.5 million following Michael Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich.
His value has increased considerably since then.
Sarr scored 21 goals across all competitions during 2025-26, equalling Palace’s best individual scoring return in a season since the Premier League era began. He also finished as the Conference League’s leading scorer with nine goals before scoring four times at the World Cup.
His wider Premier League record stands at 27 goals and 16 assists from 116 appearances for Watford and Palace.
Liverpool have experienced his qualities first hand. Sarr has scored seven goals and provided two assists in ten appearances against the Reds.
That record will certainly have been noticed by Liverpool’s recruitment department.
Liverpool Face Significant Sarr Transfer Fee
Liverpool reportedly submitted a £50 million bid on 26 August, which Palace rejected.
Palace are understood to want at least €60 million and have already rejected approaches from Galatasaray. Saudi Pro League clubs have also reportedly been made aware of Sarr’s availability.
Sarr remains contracted until June 2029, providing Palace with considerable leverage. Marseille are also entitled to 10 per cent of any profit Palace make from his eventual sale.
Another important element concerns Palace’s own recruitment.
Reports suggest Palace will not sanction Sarr’s departure until they have secured an appropriate replacement. Quinten Timber has decided to join Palace from Marseille, although negotiations between the clubs are still ongoing.
Any progress there could therefore become significant for Liverpool.
Palace head coach Pierre Sage has already expressed frustration with the uncertainty surrounding the transfer window, with the club understandably eager for clarity before the deadline.
Liverpool, though, appear determined to remain involved.
Sarr reportedly wants the move, Liverpool have already demonstrated their interest with a substantial bid, and Palace know the player’s position.
Whether that becomes enough to unlock negotiations may now depend on Liverpool’s willingness to improve their financial proposal.
Our View
There is plenty about this potential deal that appeals, although I would still approach it with some uncertainty.
Sarr’s numbers deserve respect. Twenty-one goals last season is an excellent return, his performances in Europe demonstrated his ability to deliver regularly, and Liverpool supporters hardly need reminding how dangerous he can be. Seven goals in ten games against Liverpool provides a fairly compelling scouting reel by itself.
His desire to join also matters. Liverpool want players who actively see Anfield as their destination, and Sarr reportedly appears determined to make the move happen.
My hesitation comes with the price and the wider recruitment picture.
At 28, Sarr would arrive as somebody expected to contribute immediately. If Palace are demanding considerably more than Liverpool’s £50 million offer, the club must decide whether they are buying a player perfectly suited to Iraola’s plans or reacting to a difficult final week of the window.
The potential arrival of Barcola also makes the calculation interesting. Liverpool could suddenly have considerable pace and variety across the forward line, yet questions remain elsewhere in the squad.
Sarr would undoubtedly improve the attacking options. I can understand why Liverpool want him, and his Premier League experience reduces some of the usual adaptation concerns.
I am simply not convinced that Liverpool should keep increasing the offer regardless of the cost. If Palace become realistic, this could be a very useful signing. If the asking price continues climbing, Liverpool need the discipline to know when enthusiasm becomes overpayment.
