Ismaila Sarr will need time to “digest” the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage has said.
The Senegal international appeared to be closing in on a move to Anfield late in the transfer window before it fell apart late on. Now the 28-year-old, who was Palace’s top scorer last season, will remain at Selhurst Park.
Sage said: “He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club (Liverpool).
“He had a good opportunity but in the end it didn’t work. If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year. We know he needs time.
“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that.”
Liverpool explored moves for both Sarr and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh but were unable to agree a fee for either player, leading to them rejecting an £80m bid for Cody Gakpo by rivals Manchester City, with no replacement lined up for the Dutchman.
Sarr has yet to play for Palace this season after sitting out their Premier League opener, a defeat at Everton, and a 4-1 shellacking by Manchester City at home as a result of a groin injury. He will also be sidelined for the Eagles’ trip to Fulham on Saturday, with both sides aiming for their first point of the new season.
Palace had been in talks with Lyon winger Malick Fofana when Sarr’s future at the club appeared in doubt. They looked to have gazumped Sunderland for the Belgium international’s signature, but he ultimately opted to move to the north-east club instead in a deadline-day move.
Sage said, “We gave our best,” of negotiations over the 21-year-old. “At the end of the day the player chose his criteria and I wish him and them the best because he’s a good guy and a good player.”
