Liverpool open talks for Ismaïla Sarr after Minteh deal collapses

Liverpool have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr, with the Reds quickly switching their attention to the Senegal international after ending their pursuit of Yankuba Minteh.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made contact over a potential deal and sent a proposal worth around £50million for the 28-year-old.

Sarr is keen on the move to Anfield, giving Liverpool encouragement as they attempt to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace before the transfer deadline.

Liverpool had been pushing to sign Brighton winger Minteh and previously submitted offers worth £50m and £60m.

Brighton’s demands ultimately became the major obstacle. The Seagulls raised their valuation after Liverpool failed to meet an earlier deadline, while the Reds decided they would not go beyond £70m.

That pursuit has now been called off, forcing Andoni Iraola’s side to turn elsewhere.

Sarr has emerged as the new target and Liverpool have wasted little time by opening talks and putting forward a proposal in the region of £50m.

The winger’s desire to leave Palace could significantly strengthen Liverpool’s position.

Football Place previously reported that Sarr was attempting to force through a transfer to Galatasaray.

The Senegal international had reportedly refused to train as he pushed Crystal Palace to sanction his departure.

Galatasaray submitted two offers, including a proposal worth around €40m, but both were rejected.

Palace have been looking for approximately €55-60m for Sarr, although the structure and payment terms of any agreement could also prove important.

Liverpool’s arrival therefore changes the situation considerably.

Rather than Sarr’s only realistic exit route leading to Turkey, he now has the possibility of remaining in the Premier League and joining Liverpool.

Crucially for Liverpool, Sarr is said to be keen on moving to Anfield.

That represents a significant development given how strongly he had previously been pushing for Galatasaray.

Palace remain in a strong negotiating position because Sarr is contracted until 2029, meaning they have little reason to accept an offer below their valuation simply because the player wants to leave.

However, Liverpool’s reported £50m proposal is considerably stronger than Galatasaray’s previous attempts and could provide the basis for serious negotiations.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace will now attempt to establish whether an agreement can be reached around the £50m proposal.

Palace’s response will be crucial. Liverpool have moved rapidly after walking away from Minteh, while Sarr’s willingness to join the Reds could help accelerate negotiations during the final days of the window.

Galatasaray cannot yet be completely discounted, but Liverpool have now placed themselves firmly into the race.