Palace manager Pierre Sage has disclosed that Ismaila Sarr requires a period of adjustment following his collapsed move to Liverpool, while also sharing his thoughts on the possibility of a winter transfer to Anfield.
Seeking a suitable successor to Mohamed Salah, the Merseyside club made a move for Sarr, having also explored a deal for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.
Ultimately, Liverpool failed to secure either player, while Cody Gakpo—who had neared a transfer to Manchester City—remained at Anfield to offer extra depth on the right flank.
Ismaila Sarr Needs Time to Bounce Back Mentally, and Palace Rule Out Winter Sale, Explains Sage
It was an eventful window for Liverpool, highlighted by the acquisitions of Spanish prospect Victor Munoz and PSG star Bradley Barcola.
However, these additions were not viewed as direct solutions for the massive void on the right wing, prompting late, urgent bids for Sarr and Minteh.
In the end, both pursuits fell through, leaving Liverpool without a high-caliber, natural right-sided attacker until the new year.
Palace boss Sage explained that the Senegalese international must process the disappointment of the failed transfer, adding that they have no plans to let Sarr leave in the upcoming window.
“He definitely needs some time to process things because joining a club of that caliber is a lifelong ambition for most players,” Sage admitted.
“He had a great chance, but it didn’t pan out. To keep moving forward, he must perform just as strongly for us as he did during the previous campaign.”
“We recognize he needs space. As with any major setback, time is the ultimate healer, and we must show patience,” the manager remarked.
When questioned about whether the Senegal star might still head to Anfield in January, Sage was quick to shut down the idea.
“I highly doubt he’ll depart,” the Palace coach noted. “Teams are in the middle of their competitive schedules, making mid-season exits unlikely.”
“Furthermore, we have squad registration choices to make for European matches. Altering our roster mid-tournament is exceptionally difficult,” he added.
