Ismaïla Sarr keeps Crystal Palace transfer saga alive

Ismaïla Sarr is emerging as one of the main Senegalese players who could shape the final days of the summer transfer window. Galatasaray want the Crystal Palace winger, who is keen to move to Turkey and play in the Champions League. Palace, however, have rejected an offer and are firmly opposed to selling him before the 31 August deadline.

Sarr, 28, joined Palace from Marseille in the 2024-25 season for €15 million and is valued at €40 million by the club. His previous moves included a €13 million transfer from Watford to Marseille and a €30 million switch from Rennes to Watford. He missed Palace’s opening Premier League match against Everton, a 2-0 defeat, amid physical problems. Coach Pierre Sage denied that the Senegal international had refused to play, attributing his absence to those issues.

The uncertainty places Sarr among several Senegal internationals whose futures remain unsettled. Nicolas Jackson is still at Chelsea after last season’s loan at Bayern Munich, but Atlético Madrid and Aston Villa have shown interest while Chelsea want about €70 million. Pape Matar Sarr is also attracting Galatasaray interest, although Tottenham rejected an initial offer and are weighing whether to let him leave. Iliman Ndiaye’s future at Everton is similarly under scrutiny, but David Moyes has said only an exceptionally large offer could change the club’s position.