LIVERPOOL
Liverpool have decided their next move for Ismaila Sarr after Crystal Palace rejected a January approach, with fresh transfer news expected once the window reopens.
Liverpool weigh fresh January approach
The Reds spent the summer strengthening their wide areas, bringing in Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola to add depth on the flanks. As reported by TEAMTALK, the club still wanted a specialist right winger. Three names were considered for that role, including Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye and Yankuba Minteh, before the deadline passed without a deal.
A verbal offer of close to £40m for Sarr was turned down by Crystal Palace, while other figures mentioned in the market were never actually matched by Liverpool. The club also pushed hard for Minteh, offering up to £60m, but Brighton’s valuation of £70-80m proved too steep. Palace now want more than £50m for Sarr. That number could climb further once January negotiations begin, given the added difficulty of doing business mid-season. Liverpool’s recruitment team have not ruled out returning with an improved offer once the window reopens.
Sarr’s numbers last season explain why Liverpool remain so keen. He has scored nine Premier League goals in 28 appearances for Palace, with one assist to go alongside that return.
Sarr’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Crystal Palace, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists Chances created
Premier League 28 9 1 19
EFL Cup 1 2 0 4
Conference League 13 9 0 9
Ismaila Sarr still hopes to join Liverpool
Palace boss Pierre Sage addressed the failed move directly, admitting the player needs time to recover from his ongoing injury. As reported by BBC, he said: “Sarr needs to recover because he is, and always was, injured” and stressed that his player remains fully committed to Palace for now. Sage added that joining a club of Liverpool’s stature is “a dream for a lot of players” in English football. He suggested Sarr must first refocus on delivering strong performances in the Premier League to keep that interest alive.
Sarr’s team also spoke out after the deal fell through. They said African players deserve fair treatment when transfers are being discussed. This came after both Sarr and Monaco’s Lamine Camara missed out on big Premier League moves in the same window. Palace will hope this does not affect Sarr’s form. Liverpool are expected to test their resolve again once the January window opens.
Liverpool FC
Liverpool FC
Carragher questions Liverpool’s squad balance
Pundit Jamie Carragher was blunt when discussing the failed pursuit on Monday Night Football this week. He felt Liverpool’s attack lacked real balance without a genuine option on the right wing. Carragher pointed out the club has “four left wingers” but no natural option on the opposite flank. He called the imbalance something that “just doesn’t feel right” for a team chasing the Premier League title. That leaves Iraola short of natural width down one flank. His wide forwards often cut inside instead of stretching the play out wide.
Carragher went further, questioning whether Liverpool’s heavy spending has improved their chances of winning the Premier League this season. Liverpool also hold an advantage in a separate pursuit for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara this window. Chelsea are reportedly furious after missing out on him, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. A much-improved January bid for Sarr would finally give Iraola the specialist option his squad needs. That option has clearly been missing from his squad since the summer transfer window closed.