Liverpool's Pursuit of Sarr Hits a Dead End at Palace
Liverpool’s search for a Mohamed Salah successor has run straight into a closed door at Selhurst Park.
The Reds sounded out Crystal Palace over Ismaïla Sarr as they push to bring in a right‑sided forward before the transfer window shuts. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggested Liverpool even went as far as tabling a bid of €58.4 million for the winger. The Athletic painted a different picture, indicating no formal offer was lodged.
What both sides of the story agree on is the outcome: Liverpool asked the question, and Palace’s answer was blunt. Sarr is not for sale.
Palace Hold Their Ground
Crystal Palace have already had to fend off serious interest this summer. Galatasaray tested their resolve with two bids for Sarr, both rejected, and the Turkish club are not expected to come back with a third attempt.
That stance has not softened as the window ticks down. Sarr, 28, has become central to Palace’s project under Andoni Iraola. He brings 116 Premier League appearances, a seasoned operator on the right who knows the pace and brutality of the division.
His stock rose further as Palace claimed the Europa Conference League title, with Sarr hitting 21 goals in the campaign. Once that medal was around his neck, attention from bigger clubs was inevitable. Palace’s response has been just as predictable: hands off.
A Complicated Salah Succession Plan
Liverpool’s summer on the right flank has been anything but straightforward. The club have been linked with a string of wingers as they piece together a long-term plan for life after Salah.
Yankuba Minteh was an early target, but that move collapsed under Brighton’s valuation. The Seagulls were said to be demanding around €90m, a figure that pushed Liverpool away and forced a rethink.
Attention then turned to Paris. Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG has been heavily discussed internally, another name on a growing shortlist rather than a done deal. As those talks rumbled on, Sarr emerged as the latest primary option — only for Palace to slam the door.
Barcola on the Radar
Liverpool are not limiting themselves to the right flank either. Talks are ongoing with PSG over Bradley Barcola, the French international who prefers to operate from the left.
It leaves Liverpool juggling profiles and price tags, trying to balance immediate impact with long-term planning. Sarr fits the bill in terms of Premier League readiness and end product. Barcola brings a different threat from the opposite side.
The window is closing. Palace have made their stance clear. The question now is whether Liverpool push again for a proven Premier League winger, or pivot once more in a market that has already tested their resolve.
