Liverpool Prepares New Bid for Ismaila Sarr as Villa Agrees Deal for Mbaye

Liverpool’s search for a new winger is turning into a late-window sprint, not a stroll.

Having already seen one offer for Ismaila Sarr knocked back by Crystal Palace, the Anfield hierarchy are preparing to go again for the Senegal international, even as another target, Ibrahim Mbaye, slips towards Aston Villa.

Liverpool refuse to drop Sarr chase

Sarr has moved to the top of Liverpool’s attacking shortlist. The Mirror revealed on August 26 that the club tabled a £50 million bid to Palace, with the 28-year-old described as keen on a move to Anfield before the window shuts next week.

That opening offer hit a wall.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Palace rejected the bid and that their plan is to keep Sarr, who has become a central figure at Selhurst Park. No negotiations, no compromise yet – just a firm “no” from the London club.

Liverpool are not walking away.

According to Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, posting on X at 3:04pm on August 28, the Reds are “making another push” and are “preparing to submit a new proposal” for the winger. The message was clear: Liverpool intend to test Palace’s resolve again.

There is another twist. Tavolieri added that Al Ittihad are closely monitoring the situation and could move if Liverpool’s pursuit breaks down. One misstep from the Premier League side, and a Saudi Pro League giant is ready to pounce.

Minteh price too steep for FSG

Liverpool’s move for Sarr only came after a failed attempt to land Brighton and Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh.

Brighton want £70m for the 19-year-old, a figure that Liverpool have so far refused to meet. Two bids have gone in, both below that valuation, both unsuccessful. With no sign of Brighton softening, the Merseyside club have looked elsewhere.

The pressure to refresh the forward line is obvious. The options are narrowing.

Mbaye heading for Villa, not Anfield

One of those options was Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye.

Liverpool explored a deal for the 18-year-old, but PSG’s £60m valuation pushed Fenway Sports Group away from the table. The numbers did not work, and the Reds moved on.

Aston Villa did not.

At 4:10pm on August 28, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on X that Villa have reached an agreement in principle with PSG to sign Mbaye. The deal, worth €55m, is now in the process of being finalised.

Ornstein added that the relationship between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris has been key in closing the agreement. While Liverpool hesitated at the price, Villa leaned on boardroom ties and pushed the move over the line.

So Liverpool stand at a crossroads: Minteh too expensive, Mbaye bound for Villa, Palace holding firm over Sarr – at least for now.

With the window ticking down and rivals moving decisively, how bold are Liverpool prepared to be with their next bid?