Crystal Palace’s Senegalese winger Ismaïla Sarr is pushing for a move away from South London before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. Interest in Sarr began to grow before Palace’s season opener against Everton but over a week passed with no further progression on a deal. 

Galatasaray were reportedly interested and had attempted to cause some disruption in the Palace camp by leaking that Sarr had refused to train and play after Pierre Sage had confirmed that Palace’s top scorer last season would start against Everton. 

A supposed groin injury saw him miss that game, but Sarr was not involved in Palace’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City either, and hadn’t been seen in any training ground content released by Palace’s media team across the week. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing saga and where Sarr is likely to end up once the window is closed. 

Whilst he may well have been injured, Sarr is wanting a move away, likely to Liverpool. Galatasaray opted to sign Rafael Leão for just £32 million, around half the asking price Palace have put on Sarr’s head. 

Liverpool’s interest was first noted last week, and Palace have made it clear they are not willing to sell, but for a mindblowing fee a sale is almost a guarantee. Yes, Palace will need to replace him, and there is very little time to do so, but if the Reds can muster up over £70 million, Palace would simply have to sell. 

After what appeared to be agent talk looking for a big contract either at Palace or elsewhere, Sarr has now conducted the most classic of ‘footballer wanting out’ moves, as he has deleted all of his Palace related posts on his instagram, keeping only those of him playing for his national side. 

Saudi Arabian side Al-Itihad have stepped aside from the race for Sarr, deeming the move unfeasible at this stage, which has left Liverpool in the driving seat. 

Whilst Sarr has been a vital part of the Palace squad since signing from Marseille for just £12 million, he is a limited player. His technical ability is limited and he is not a strong one on one dribbler or particularly creative. 

Where Sarr thrives is when he’s played in behind and given a chance to finish. His goal scoring is the outstanding part of his play, as is his product in the final moment of a move. 

In the two opening games of the season, Palace have scored just once from a Yéremy Pino free-kick which deflected off the crossbar and bounced in off Gianluigi Donnurumma’s back. That means Palace are yet to score from open play, and have in fact missed the most big chances of any side across the opening two games. 

Sarr would be replaceable in terms of output, but Palace are not going to have much time to do that if they agree to sell now. The other issue is that if they do sell it will only be for big money, and therefore clubs will know that Palace have funds to spend and will therefore raise the price. 

Whilst that caveat needs to be addressed, there is also not much point in keeping around a player who clearly does not want to be at the club anymore.