Liverpool are considering whether to make a second move for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr as Andoni Iraola looks to complete his attacking rebuild before the transfer window closes.
An initial approach worth around £50million was rejected by Crystal Palace earlier this week. There have been conflicting accounts over whether Liverpool formally submitted the proposal or Palace immediately indicated that the valuation would not be sufficient.
Either way, Liverpool have encountered resistance.
Crystal Palace had already rejected two approaches from Galatasaray for Sarr, underlining their reluctance to lose another important player during the closing stages of the window.
Liverpool Could Return for Ismaila SarrSenegalese journalist Khadim Diakhate has reported that Liverpool remain interested and could make another attempt.
Following the rejection of Liverpool’s opening proposal, he wrote that “Liverpool could come back with a second bid for the Senegalese winger.”
Diakhate also reported that Sarr had become “an option to upgrade their attack, after progressing on the Bradley Barcola deal and dropping the pursuit of Yankuba Minteh,” with Galatasaray continuing to monitor developments.
Liverpool’s interest comes after their pursuit of Minteh stalled. Brighton rejected offers worth £50m and £60m before reportedly valuing the winger at £80m.
Yan Diomande has also moved elsewhere, while Liverpool have progressed significantly in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola.
The anticipated arrival of Barcola would strengthen Iraola’s options from the left, leaving Liverpool with another decision to make on the opposite flank following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Sarr Numbers Strengthen Liverpool InterestSarr’s performances for Crystal Palace provide a clear explanation for Liverpool’s interest.
The Senegal international scored nine Premier League goals across 28 appearances and 2,177 minutes last season. He registered 48 shots, with 21 on target, producing an average of 0.37 goals per 90 minutes.
His non penalty expected goals figure stood at 0.30 per 90, placing him among the stronger attacking performers in the Premier League by that measure.
Across all competitions, Sarr scored 21 goals in 45 appearances. Nine arrived during Crystal Palace’s successful Conference League campaign, where he finished as the competition’s leading scorer and was named player of the tournament.
Sarr subsequently scored four goals and provided one assist in four appearances for Senegal at the World Cup.
There is also his remarkable record against Liverpool. Sarr has scored seven times in ten appearances against the Reds during spells with Watford and Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace Hold Strong Negotiating PositionCrystal Palace have significant leverage heading into any further negotiations.
Sarr has three years remaining on his contract and Palace have already lost Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea this summer. Head coach Pierre Sage therefore has little incentive to sanction another important departure without sufficient time to secure a replacement.
Liverpool would consequently need to decide how far they are prepared to go for a 28-year-old forward entering the prime years of his career.
Reports that Sarr has been training separately at Crystal Palace’s Copers Cope base could become significant if Liverpool return with another proposal. The suggestion is also that personal terms would not present a major obstacle should an agreement between the clubs be reached.
For Liverpool, the final calculation centres on price.
Iraola wants further attacking reinforcement and Sarr offers Premier League experience, versatility and proven output. Crystal Palace know Liverpool are searching for another forward with the deadline approaching, strengthening their negotiating position.
A second bid would therefore provide the clearest indication yet of how highly Liverpool value Sarr, and whether Crystal Palace can ultimately be persuaded to sell.
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