Sarr needs time to 'digest' collapse of dream Liverpool move, says Crystal Palace boss Sage

Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage has said Ismaila Sarr will need time to “digest” the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool after the transfer fell apart late in the summer window, leaving the 28-year-old Senegal international to remain at Selhurst Park.

“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club,” Sage said. “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.”

Sarr, who was Palace’s top scorer last season, had appeared to be closing in on a move to Anfield before negotiations broke down. Liverpool had also explored a deal for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh but were unable to agree a fee for either player. That left the club in a difficult position after rejecting an £80m bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, with no replacement secured for the Dutchman.

The winger has yet to feature for Palace this season, sitting out their Premier League opener — a defeat at Everton — and a 4-1 home loss to Manchester City due to a groin injury. He will also miss the club’s trip to Fulham on Saturday, a fixture in which both sides are seeking their first point of the new campaign.

Sage also addressed Palace’s failed pursuit of Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who had emerged as a target when Sarr’s future at the club was uncertain. The Belgian, 21, ultimately chose to join Sunderland in a deadline-day move, despite Palace appearing to have moved ahead in the race for his signature.

“We gave our best,” Sage said of the Fofana negotiations. “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.”