The short version
- Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Ismaila Sarr following the rejection of two bids for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh.
- Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage insists Sarr remains committed to the club despite injury and external interest, while teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta faces a legal battle over his contract status.
- The Reds are assessing multiple options including Bradley Barcola ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, aiming to secure two new signings in wide areas.
Liverpool have adjusted their recruitment strategy for the final days of the transfer window after Brighton & Hove Albion declined two separate offers for Yankuba Minteh. The Anfield side had submitted bids valued at £50 million and £60 million for the 22-year-old winger, but Brighton refused to sell. Consequently, Liverpool are now exploring a move for Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr, who shares similar positional attributes with Minteh as a right-sided player with established Premier League experience.
Sarr has been in strong form during the previous campaign, netting 21 goals for Palace. His international record is also notable, having earned 81 caps for Senegal and scored 23 goals for his national team. Despite this performance data, Crystal Palace management appears resistant to selling him this summer. Reports indicate that interest from Galatasaray emerged recently, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the Senegalese forward's future at Selhurst Park.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding whether Liverpool has formally submitted an offer for Sarr. While some sources claim a bid was made, both Liverpool and Crystal Palace have publicly denied this assertion. This discrepancy highlights the chaotic nature of deadline day negotiations, where informal interest often precedes or mimics formal proposals without official confirmation from either party involved in the potential transaction.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has expressed a clear desire to retain his key attacking players. He stated that Sarr is currently with the club and under contract, noting that the player still has three years remaining on his deal. Sage acknowledged that external interest can cause hesitation among players but emphasized that Sarr remains focused on returning from injury rather than leaving the club. The manager dismissed any suggestion that Sarr's recent injury was linked to transfer speculation, describing the player as honest and committed.
Complicating matters at Crystal Palace is the ongoing contractual dispute involving striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 29-year-old Frenchman has argued that the final year of his contract should be considered invalid because it was an extension option activated by the club on his original agreement. Despite these claims, Mateta remains registered as a Palace player. Sage indicated that Mateta displays behavior consistent with someone who is happy to stay and prepared for the season ahead.
The legal status of Mateta's contract has been reviewed by multiple bodies. FIFA ruled that the matter falls outside its jurisdiction, and the case has also been heard by an independent Premier League tribunal. These developments underscore the complexity of modern football contracts, where extension clauses can become points of contention between players and clubs. Until a final resolution is reached, Mateta's availability and future remain uncertain for Palace.
Liverpool are not solely focused on Sarr in their pursuit of wide attackers. Negotiations continue with Paris Saint-Germain regarding French winger Bradley Barcola. The club is evaluating all available options before the Tuesday deadline, aiming to finalize two signings in these positions. This multi-pronged approach reflects Liverpool's strategy to mitigate risk by keeping multiple channels open rather than relying on a single target.
The urgency of these moves stems from Liverpool's need to strengthen their attacking depth ahead of the new season. With Minteh unavailable due to Brighton's firm stance, the club must act quickly to secure alternative talent. The coming days will determine whether Liverpool can capitalize on any flexibility at Crystal Palace or PSG, or if they will be forced to accept a thinner roster for the start of the campaign. The outcome will significantly impact their tactical options in the early stages of the Premier League season.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Liverpool turn attention to Sarr after Brighton reject Minteh bids
