Liverpool have reportedly emerged as a potential late-window option for Ismaïla Sarr, with the Crystal Palace winger attracting interest from several clubs.
According to Nevzat Dindar, Liverpool are interested in a late move for Sarr, who is also a primary transfer target for Galatasaray.
The Senegal international was notably left out of Crystal Palace’s squad for their defeat to Everton on Saturday, adding further fuel to speculation surrounding his future.
👀 An interesting name for Liverpool
Sarr isn’t a completely new name to Premier League supporters.
The 28-year-old has previously played for Watford and has now established himself at Crystal Palace, bringing plenty of Premier League experience with him.
And from Liverpool’s perspective, there are obvious reasons why he could be attractive.
Pace.
Power.
Directness.
Those are qualities Liverpool have been looking to add to their attacking options.
Iraola wants more wingers
The timing of this rumour is particularly interesting.
Andoni Iraola recently admitted that Liverpool don’t have enough players who are specialists in the wide positions.
Liverpool have been pursuing Yankuba Minteh, while Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have also been linked with moves to Anfield.
But if Liverpool can’t get one of their preferred targets over the line, Sarr could potentially represent a more experienced alternative.
Unlike some of the younger names Liverpool have been targeting, Sarr already knows the Premier League.
He wouldn’t need months to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football.
Sarr could give Liverpool something different
Sarr’s biggest weapon has always been his pace.
He’s capable of attacking space quickly and stretching defensive lines.
That could be particularly useful alongside Alexander Isak.
Liverpool need players who can get around the outside, beat defenders and deliver dangerous balls into the box.
Sarr can provide that.
He can also operate on either flank and has experience playing centrally, giving Iraola another versatile attacking option.
But would this be Liverpool’s preferred move?
That’s the big question.
Liverpool have clearly been looking at younger players with enormous potential.
Minteh is 22.
Barcola is 23.
Mbaye is only 18.
Sarr is 28.
So this would represent a slightly different recruitment strategy.
Rather than signing another long-term project, Liverpool would be bringing in someone who can contribute immediately.
And perhaps that’s exactly what Iraola needs.
Why was Sarr left out?
The fact Sarr was omitted from Palace’s squad against Everton is certainly interesting.
It doesn’t automatically mean a transfer is imminent.
There could be other reasons.
But when a player is being heavily linked with a move and then isn’t included in the matchday squad, supporters are naturally going to wonder whether something is happening behind the scenes.
If Liverpool really are interested, they may now be monitoring the situation very closely.
A late-window surprise?
Liverpool supporters have become accustomed to dramatic transfer developments in the final days of a window.
And Sarr would certainly qualify as an unexpected name.
For weeks, the focus has been on players such as Minteh and Barcola.
Now we’re hearing Liverpool could potentially turn to a proven Premier League winger instead.
It could be a sensible move if Liverpool simply need another senior attacking option.
Keep an eye on this one
At this stage, Sarr shouldn’t be treated as a player who is definitely joining Liverpool.
The report says Liverpool are interested, while Galatasaray are also pursuing him.
But his omission from the Palace squad certainly makes the situation worth watching.
Liverpool need another winger.
Sarr has Premier League experience.
He has pace.
He can play multiple attacking positions.
And he could potentially make an immediate contribution.
Could Ismaïla Sarr be Liverpool’s surprise late-window signing?
With the transfer window closing, don’t rule anything out.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
No, lets go for the injured Minteh. We love getting cripples in at great cost and have him in treatment for 6 months to find he is not the same player he was pre injury. You know it makes sense.
Really like Sarr. He is the “Energizer Bunny”. Really looked good for Senegal at striker and not wing. He would be great for Liverpool. Sage doesn’t appear to want him.