Crystal Palace have reportedly rejected another Liverpool bid today, while Ismaila Sarr is not training as he looks to force a move to Merseyside.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool’s desire to sign Sarr is being tested, but they will not panic. If Sarr is truly unattainable this summer, they will keep Cody Gakpo and abandon their interest in signing the Senegal star.
Reporting on X, Fabrice Hawkins said: “Crystal Palace have rejected a second offer from Liverpool for Ismaïla Sarr. The player wants to leave and join Liverpool at all costs.
“Sarr will not train today as he pushes for a move and no longer wants to wear the Crystal Palace shirt. If Liverpool fail to find an alternative, Cody Gakpo is expected to stay.”
[?] Breaking: Crystal Palace have rejected a second offer from Liverpool for Ismaïla Sarr.
The player wants to leave and join Liverpool at all costs.
Sarr will not train today as he pushes for a move and no longer wants to wear the Crystal Palace shirt.
If Liverpool fail… pic.twitter.com/KZIkCcQV0S
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) August 31, 2026
Liverpool have made a huge mess of this situation
Liverpool have known for over five months what would be needed by this stage of the summer transfer window. Granted it was a surprise to learn that Ibrahima Konate would resist all contract offers to join Real Madrid for free, however, the main objective this summer – from as far back as March 24 – was to sign a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Not any old player. Mo Salah. The right-winger who scored 257 goals and assisted 123 in 442 games for Liverpool.
It’s fair to say there aren’t many players like him in Europe, with perhaps Michael Olise being the only player capable of matching Salah stylistically and in terms of attacking output. The French international’s 22 goals and 31 assists for Bayern Munich would be the dream replacement for Salah’s output, but sadly his €200m price tag makes signing him practically impossible.
All that said, Liverpool, and namely sporting director Richard Hughes, have made a mess of this summer transfer window. The revelation that Hughes has been ‘juggling’ transfer duties for Liverpool and Al Hilal this summer is an embarrassment.
Yet, even if Liverpool sign Sarr and bring him to Anfield before the deadline at 11 pm on Tuesday, it will not solve the right-wing issue. Sarr is most comfortable in central positions, while his lack of pace makes it difficult for him to be highly effective in wide areas.