Liverpool Faces Setback in Ismaïla Sarr Transfer Pursuit
Liverpool’s hunt for a right‑sided forward has hit another wall, with Crystal Palace making it clear that Ismaïla Sarr is going nowhere this summer.
The Anfield club sounded out Palace over the 28-year-old winger as they step up efforts to recruit on the right before the window closes. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggested Liverpool even tabled a bid of €58.4 million, but The Athletic countered that no formal offer was lodged. What is not in dispute: Liverpool asked the question, and Palace’s answer was blunt. Sarr is not for sale.
Palace Stand Firm on Europa Conference League Star
Palace’s stance is hardly a surprise. Sarr has grown into one of their key attacking weapons, a winger with 116 Premier League appearances behind him and a starring role in last season’s Europa Conference League triumph.
He hit 21 goals for the Eagles in that campaign, a return that inevitably drew admiring glances from bigger clubs. Those glances have turned into concrete interest this summer, but Palace have so far resisted every approach.
Galatasaray tested their resolve earlier in the window, submitting two bids for Sarr. Both were rejected. The Turkish side are now viewed as unlikely to come back with a significantly improved offer.
Liverpool have discovered the same hard line. Palace, buoyed by European silverware and Sarr’s importance to Andoni Iraola’s system, see no reason to cash in.
Liverpool’s Right-Wing Puzzle
The failed move is the latest twist in what has become a complicated summer for Liverpool as they try to plot life after Mohamed Salah.
The club have explored several options on the right. Yankuba Minteh was high on their list, but talks cooled quickly once Brighton’s demands became clear. The Seagulls were said to be holding out for around €90 million, a figure that prompted Liverpool to walk away and re-focus their search.
Attention then swung to Paris. Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG has been heavily discussed internally, with Liverpool weighing up whether he fits the profile and price point for a long-term solution on that flank. Sarr emerged as the next serious name, only for Palace to shut the door.
The pattern is clear: Liverpool are determined to secure a high-level right-winger, but the market is unforgiving and clubs holding elite wide players know their value.
Barcola Talks Add Another Layer
While the right wing remains the priority, Liverpool are also working on another front. Discussions are ongoing over a move for Bradley Barcola from PSG.
The French international is more naturally at home on the left, offering a different tactical option rather than a like-for-like Salah replacement. His name underlines how Liverpool are trying to reshape their forward line with versatility as well as star quality.
For now, though, the message from Selhurst Park is loud enough. If Liverpool want Ismaïla Sarr to be part of that rebuild, they will have to change more than just their bid. They may have to change targets altogether.
