Liverpool face a late transfer battle to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr, with the Senegal international reportedly pushing for a move before the summer window closes.
French transfer reporter Santi Aouna claims Palace are seeking £75 million for the 28-year-old and are delaying negotiations in an attempt to increase the pressure on Liverpool. The London club are understood to be unhappy at the prospect of losing a key player so close to the deadline.
Ismaïla Sarr transfer talks go to the wire
Liverpool’s interest in Sarr follows a previous approach for the forward which was rejected by Palace. Reports earlier in the window suggested the Eagles would only consider an exceptional offer for a player who remains under contract until 2029. ([liverpool.com](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/transfer-news/liverpool-crystal-palace-ismaila-sarr-34521312.amp))
The Reds are seeking further attacking reinforcements for Andoni Iraola, particularly on the right flank. Bradley Barcola is expected to complete a move to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain, but Liverpool are continuing to assess options for the opposite side. ([thisisanfield.com](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/08/ismaila-sarr-liverpool-target-transfer-deadline-day/))
Sarr’s position has added another layer of uncertainty. He has reportedly been left out of Palace’s opening two matchday squads and is said to want the club to sanction a move to Liverpool before the deadline. He has also removed references to Palace from his Instagram account, although that does not amount to confirmation that a transfer is imminent. ([footballtransfers.com](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/08/liverpool-transfer-news-ismaila-sarr-crystal-palace-deadline-day))
Palace manager Pierre Sage has previously insisted that Sarr is unavailable because of a groin injury and has been training individually. Sage said the player was still under contract and that his immediate focus was on getting him fit. ([liverpool.com](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/transfer-news/breaking-ismaila-sarr-pierre-sage-34522957.amp))
That leaves both clubs facing difficult decisions in the final hours of the window. Palace must weigh the value of holding out for their asking price against the prospect of retaining an unsettled player, while Liverpool must decide how far it is prepared to go to secure another attacking option.
The transfer window is due to close at 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1, leaving limited time for negotiations, a new offer and the completion of any medical and paperwork should an agreement be reached. ([thisisanfield.com](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/08/ismaila-sarr-liverpool-target-transfer-deadline-day/))
