Liverpool could still sign Ismaila Sarr despite walking away from a late summer transfer for the Crystal Palace striker, according to an insider.
The Reds have had a very mixed start to the 2026/27 season, winning their first game of the Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town after consecutive 2-2 draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Cody Gakpo has been the Reds’ standout performer with one goal and three assists, but the arrival of Bradley Barcola will likely require a change of role for the Dutchman.
Liverpool were in talks to sign Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Palace striker Sarr, which could have led to Gakpo being sold to Manchester City in the last few days of the summer window.
However, both Brighton and Palace priced Liverpool out of signing their prized assets, and Liverpool retained Gakpo for this season, which is proving to be a lucky break.
New claims suggest that Liverpool could revisit a deal for Sarr in the winter transfer window after the 28-year-old’s head was turned by their interest.
Liverpool could complete Sarr deal in January
According to a report from Football Insider, there may be a move to Anfield on the cards for Sarr. The Reds were keen to sign him before the transfer deadline on 1 September at 11 pm, but Palace refused to let him leave.
? | @mauritaniefoot: Ismaila Sarr is “disgusted” by his situation after Crystal Palace refused to let the winger leave the club despite two significant offers from Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/Kx1eNrqToO
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) September 1, 2026
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke reports*: “(A deal for Sarr) could be done (in January), possibly. Obviously, Liverpool did try to get him before the deadline but Palace weren’t willing to let him go.*
“Sarr’s representatives have hit out at that and over why he wasn’t granted his wish of making that move to Anfield.
“It was a big blow for Sarr to see that move fall down, and it’ll be key now for Palace to try and get him back onside and get him back performing to his best for them between now and the January window as well.”
Sarr’s head was turned by Liverpool
Palace boss Pierre Sage admitted in a press conference on Thursday that the interest from Liverpool turned Sarr’s head, and he now needs time to get his head straight to focus on the season ahead.
“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that. He needs time too. First of all he needs to recover because he was and is injured.
“He is our player and we are happy with that.
“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club [Liverpool]. He had a good opportunity but in the end it didn’t work.
“If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year. We know he needs time.”