via Reuters
Liverpool's move to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr is getting closer, as the player pushes hard for a move to Anfield, according to an update from Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool are about to tie up the big-money signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but Andoni Iraola wants a third winger to arrive at Anfield ahead of Tuesday's 11pm deadline, following the addition of Victor Munoz earlier in the summer.
If the Reds complete deals for Barcola and Sarr in the next hours, it would then allow Cody Gakpo to complete a move to Manchester City, who he has chosen to join over Tottenham Hotspur despite talks with the north London outfit.
Negotiations are advancing with the eight-time Premier League champions over a deal, but it will depend on the deal for Sarr getting done.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of wingers in recent weeks including Ibrahim Mbaye and Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh, whom they saw a bid rejected for, but now Sarr has emerged as a key target they believe they can land for a lower fee than the Gambian.
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, posting on X on Sunday afternoon, the Senegal international is pushing to make the move to Anfield and is in advanced talks with the Eagles over finalising a deal.
The Merseyside outfit are said to want their next offer for the 28-year-old to be the decisive one and then one that gets a deal done, with Saudi side Al-Ittihad considered officially out of the race.
Sarr Signing Will Divide Opinion at Liverpool
REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
On the face of it, swapping Gakpo for Sarr doesn't make a lot of sense.
The Netherlands international is a proven Premier League attacker who has been one of Liverpool's best players in their opening two Premier League matches of the season.
The Dutchman knows the club and is also a year younger than Sarr, but there are some reasons why this can be a good move too.
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Sarr's Crystal Palace Record
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Firstly, Liverpool desperately need another option on the right, with Munoz, Barcola and Gakpo all preferring to play from the left, and Rio Ngumoha usually playing from the same flank as he has come through the system.
Sarr plays on the right wing, and he is proven in both the Premier League and with his country as an established goalscorer.
Speaking about Sarr and his Senegal teammates during the World Cup, Romelu Lukaku was full of praise.
Having a better than one in three record from a position out wide shows the potential that he has, and the only disappointment can be that he turns 29 years of age in February, and therefore there may not be much resale value later down the line.
Liverpool need players that can perform now though, and perhaps Sarr is the answer and the player who can hit the ground running under Iraola immediately.