Ismaila Sarr applauds the Senegal supporters
Ismaila Sarr applauds the Senegal supporters
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Ismaila Sarr has informed Crystal Palace that ‘he does not wish to play’ in their Premier League opener against Everton amid Galatasaray’s pursuit of his signature, it has been claimed in Germany.
The 28-year-old enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his career in front of goal last season at Selhurst Park, with the Senegalese finding the net 21 times across 45 appearances and seeing his stock rise considerably.
The World Cup offered another lift to his profile, with Sarr scoring four times on the biggest stage for Senegal while also supplying two assists.
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That sparked talk of a possible switch last month, when Fenerbahce first emerged as admirers of the attacker.
The Yellow Canaries ultimately did not press ahead with their pursuit, although a move to Istanbul remained on the cards after Galatasaray entered the picture.
The Cimbom subsequently made their intentions known by placing a €35m bid for Sarr with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles, however, swiftly knocked back the proposal, as they view the winger as central to Pierre Sage’s project at Selhurst Park and do not want to weaken the group.
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Sarr though looks to want to move to the Turkish champions, which would put him in the mix to win trophies and play in the Champions League.
The winger has been absent from Crystal Palace’s training over the past two days, with Sarr determined to force through a move before the window closes.
Now, according to Turkish journalist Ali Naci Kucuk, Sarr informed Crystal Palace that ‘he does not wish to play’ against Everton on Saturday at the Hill Dickinson.
Whether that stance can push Palace to open the door for Sarr to head to Galatasaray is unclear, but the Turkish club will welcome him putting pressure on.
Galatasaray will take encouragement from the Senegalese clearly wanting the move and it could encourage them to bid again.
Selling Sarr late in the window would not be an ideal outcome for Crystal Palace and they will want a resolution one way or another soon.
Crystal Palace have been pursuing Torino winger Alieu Njie as a possible addition, although indications are that route is currently paused, though yet to be abandoned.