Liverpool's Pursuit of Ismaïla Sarr Faces Palace Resistance

Liverpool pushed. Crystal Palace pushed back.

The Anfield club have moved for Ismaïla Sarr as they scramble for a right‑sided attacker before the transfer window shuts, but Palace have made their stance clear: their Europa Conference League hero is not for sale.

Reports from Fabrizio Romano claimed Liverpool tabled a bid of €58.4 million for the winger. The Athletic painted a different picture, stating no formal offer was lodged. What is not in dispute is Liverpool’s interest. The club made contact over Sarr’s availability and were told bluntly that Palace would not entertain a deal.

Palace hold their ground

This is not the first time Sarr has been tested on the market this summer. Galatasaray have already seen two offers rejected, and the Turkish side are now expected to walk away rather than return with a third bid.

Palace’s resolve has only hardened. Sarr, 28, has become central to what Andoni Iraola is building. He has already racked up 116 Premier League appearances and was a driving force as Palace lifted the Europa Conference League, scoring 21 goals in that triumphant campaign. Interest from bigger clubs was always coming; Palace appear determined to resist it.

Liverpool’s right‑wing puzzle

Liverpool’s search for a long‑term successor to Mohamed Salah has turned into a drawn‑out saga. The recruitment team have scanned the market for right‑wingers, making moves and holding talks without yet landing their man.

Yankuba Minteh was a serious target, but Liverpool backed away when Brighton’s valuation became clear. The Seagulls were said to want around €90m for the 19‑year‑old, a figure that effectively shut the door. That pushed Liverpool towards Sarr, whose Premier League pedigree and recent European form made him an obvious candidate.

They have also “heavily discussed” a move for PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye, another option on the right, as they weigh up stylistic fits and price tags in the final stretch of the window.

Barcola on the radar

While the right flank remains the priority, Liverpool are not limiting themselves to one side of the pitch. Talks are ongoing over Bradley Barcola from PSG, a French international who prefers operating from the left.

It underlines the scale of the rebuild in Liverpool’s forward line. Salah’s shadow still looms large over the right wing, but as Palace slam the door on Sarr and Brighton stand firm over Minteh, the question grows louder: who will actually carry that mantle when the window closes?