Liverpool has been handed a boost in its pursuit for Senagal winger Ismaila Sarr as Crystal Palace look to hijack Malick Fofana’s deadline day move to Sunderland
Liverpool have been linked with a late move for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr.
(Image: PA Wire)
Liverpool could be handed a transfer boost in its pursuit of Ismaila Sarr if Crystal Palace completes a move for Malick Fofana.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sunderland reached an agreement to sign the Belgium international in a deal worth more than €30 million (£25.7 million/$34.9 million) including bonuses. Palace has now agreed the same package with Lyon.
Palace manager Pierre Sage, who coached Lyon between 2023 and 2025 when Fofana joined the club, was key to the London side entering the race for the 21-year-old. Fofana had been given permission to travel for a medical ahead of signing a five-year deal with Sunderland, with an option for a further 12 months, before Palace intervened.
Sunderland also appears to have switched targets at the last minute, with Sacha Tavolieri reporting that the North-East club is now pursuing Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio. Talks are ongoing over a permanent deal, while the Belgium international is reportedly open to the move.
That could have implications for Sarr, with Fofana's potential move to the Eagles reportedly paving the way for the Senegal winger to leave Selhurst Park. Liverpool could now benefit from the chain of events as they continue to monitor Sarr.
Sarr, 28, has missed Palace's opening two Premier League games this season. Liverpool previously considered the Senegal international alongside Jonathan David in 2020, when he was at Watford, before signing Diogo Jota.
The Reds had a £50 million ($67.5 million) bid for Sarr rejected last week but remain interested in the right winger.
Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyon celebrates
Crystal Palace has hijacked a move for Malick Fofana(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has also seen two offers for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton this month, although a deal could still be revived if the Seagulls lower their £80 million ($108 million) asking price.
The Reds continue to assess their options in attack despite the summer arrivals of Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz.
Cody Gakpo has also been linked with a late Liverpool exit, with Manchester City reportedly interested in a deal that could reach $115 million. However, the move remains uncertain, with the Reds keen to bring in another winger before allowing the Netherlands international to leave.
Failing to add another forward could prove frustrating for Liverpool, given the need to find a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right, even if Barcola is expected to become the team's main scorer and creator from the opposite flank.
There are also questions elsewhere in the squad, with Liverpool's central midfield options viewed by some as too attack-minded. Right-back remains another area of concern, with Conor Bradley's injury problems compounded by Jeremie Frimpong's difficult start since joining the club.