Could Crystal Palace finally be preparing for life without Ismaïla Sarr?
That is the question Liverpool supporters will be asking after reports that Palace are set to sign Darío Osorio from Midtjylland.
According to Ben Jacobs, Palace have agreed a deal worth a €2 million loan fee, followed by a €26m obligation to buy plus €4m in potential add-ons.
Midtjylland will also retain a sell-on clause, with only the final details left to complete.
And if the obligation is triggered, Osorio’s transfer would become a record sale in Danish football.
But for Liverpool fans, the bigger question is obvious:
Could this deal finally open the door for Ismaïla Sarr to leave Selhurst Park?
Liverpool still want Sarr
Liverpool have been interested in Sarr throughout the summer.
The Reds have reportedly explored a number of attacking options, with Sarr emerging as one of the players they would like to bring in.
That interest has become even more relevant following the departure of Cody Gakpo’s potential transfer situation and Liverpool’s desire for greater attacking depth.
Sarr would give Andoni Iraola another experienced Premier League option capable of operating in wide areas.
And with Liverpool still looking for another attacker, this is a situation worth watching.
Why Osorio could be significant for Palace
This is where the speculation begins.
Palace signing another attacking player doesn’t automatically mean Sarr is leaving.
They could simply be strengthening their squad.
But if Palace are prepared to spend potentially €30m on Osorio, it could give them another option in the attacking positions.
And that could potentially make the club more comfortable with allowing Sarr to depart.
Especially if Sarr remains determined to leave.
That’s the potential connection.
Osorio arrives.
Sarr leaves.
Liverpool come calling.
Palace don’t have to sell Sarr
There is still a major obstacle.
Palace are under no obligation to sell Sarr simply because they’re signing Osorio.
If they believe Sarr remains an important player, they can keep him.
And they could quite reasonably argue that Osorio is being signed to add competition rather than replace anyone.
That’s why I wouldn’t say this deal means Sarr is suddenly on his way to Liverpool.
It doesn’t.
But it certainly makes the situation more interesting.
Could this be the domino Liverpool have been waiting for?
Liverpool have been trying to find another winger while Palace have reportedly resisted letting Sarr leave.
That’s created a frustrating situation.
Liverpool want the player.
Sarr is reportedly open to the move.
But Palace have been reluctant to sell.
Now Palace appear to be bringing in another attacking option.
Could that change their stance?
Potentially.
Football transfers often depend on several pieces falling into place at the same time.
And this could be one of them.
Liverpool need another attacker
For me, Liverpool still need another wide player.
Bradley Barcola has arrived in a huge deal, but the Reds have lost several players from last season’s squad and the depth remains a concern.
Sarr would bring something different.
He’s quick.
He’s direct.
He has Premier League experience.
And he can play on either flank.
Those qualities could be extremely useful for Iraola over a long season.
Palace may now have a decision to make
If Osorio’s move is completed, Palace will have strengthened their attacking options.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Sarr becomes surplus to requirements.
But it could give them greater freedom in negotiations.
If Liverpool come back with an improved offer, Palace may now have a replacement already lined up.
That’s a much more comfortable position for them than selling Sarr without bringing another attacker through the door.
And that’s why this development could matter.
Don’t get carried away yet
There is still no confirmation that Palace have decided to sell Sarr.
There is also no confirmation that Liverpool have agreed a deal for him.
So we shouldn’t turn one transfer into another before it happens.
But the timing is certainly interesting.
Palace are strengthening their attack.
Liverpool are still looking for another winger.
Sarr remains a player Liverpool like.
And the transfer window is running out of time.
Could the dominoes finally be falling?
That’s the question.
Palace signing Osorio could simply be a separate piece of business.
Or it could eventually become the move that allows Sarr to leave.
If Palace complete Osorio’s signing and then decide that Sarr can depart for the right price, Liverpool should be ready.
Because if Iraola wants another winger, I think Sarr could be a very useful addition to this squad.
The Osorio deal isn’t confirmation that Sarr is leaving.
But it could be the development that finally changes the situation.
Could Darío Osorio be the player who opens the door for Ismaïla Sarr to Liverpool?
I’m certainly not ruling it out.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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