Liverpool have shifted their transfer focus to Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr following Brighton’s rejection of two bids for 22-year-old Yankuba Minteh. The Anfield club previously submitted offers of £50m and £60m for Minteh, both of which were turned down. As the Tuesday transfer deadline approaches, Liverpool are actively seeking two wide attacking reinforcements.
Sarr’s Profile and Status
- Ismaila Sarr, 26, is a Senegal international with 81 caps and 23 goals.
- He scored 21 goals for Crystal Palace last season and shares the right-sided winger profile Liverpool sought in Minteh.
- Despite reports of a bid, both Liverpool and Crystal Palace have denied that a formal offer has been made.
- Palace are reportedly not open to selling Sarr, who also attracted interest from Galatasaray last week.
Managerial Perspective
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage expressed a desire to retain both Sarr and teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta. When asked if he expects the Senegalese winger to remain, Sage stated: “For the moment, yes, because when you have three years on the contract it is not easy to leave.”
Addressing potential transfer speculation, Sage added: “I understand that for everybody to have this kind of contact is difficult, because you hesitate a lot. But for the moment, he is with us. He is under contract.” Regarding Sarr’s current status, Sage noted: “He is injured and maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation. But for me, he is honest and I have no problem with that. We just want him on the pitch as quickly as possible.”
Broader Transfer Strategy
Beyond the pursuit of Sarr, Liverpool are continuing negotiations to strike a deal with Paris St-Germain for France winger Bradley Barcola. The club is currently assessing all available options to bolster their attacking depth before the window closes.
