Ismaïla Sarr’s agent demands respect after failed move

Ismaïla Sarr’s agent has criticised the way African players are treated in the transfer market after the Senegal winger remained at Crystal Palace and Lamine Camara’s move to Chelsea collapsed. Diomansky Kamara said players must have their careers, ambitions and decisions taken seriously, rather than being treated only as assets whose value is negotiated between clubs.

Sarr, a 28-year-old right winger, was pursued by Liverpool and wanted to join the Reds, but Crystal Palace rejected several offers and refused to sanction his departure. The Senegal international then stopped training and playing in an attempt to force the move and removed his Palace-related photographs. He has not appeared in any Premier League match this season, but remains a Crystal Palace player.

Camara’s situation changed after Monaco reached an agreement with Chelsea for a €55 million transfer on Tuesday. Monaco were also negotiating with Everton over Folarin Balogun and wanted to sell one of the two players. After believing Balogun’s departure was close, the French club cancelled the agreement for Camara, prompting anger from Chelsea and leaving the Senegal midfielder without the expected move.

Kamara said clubs retaining the final authority in transfers is a feature of professional football, but argued that players should be heard when decisions affect their futures. His intervention links the two failed moves through a wider demand for greater respect for African players and their choices.