Ismaila Sarr Liverpool bid worth £50m has been rejected by Crystal Palace, who remain determined to keep the Senegal winger this summer

Crystal Palace have rejected a £50 million bid from Liverpool for 28-year-old Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, as the Premier League club maintain their determination to keep the forward at Selhurst Park.

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The latest approach follows Liverpool’s decision to end their pursuit of Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh after failing to bridge the gap over the player’s valuation.

Liverpool have subsequently turned to Sarr as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer deadline.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Liverpool had opened talks with Palace and submitted a proposal worth around £50 million for Sarr, who is understood to be keen on a move.

Palace, however, have now rejected the offer, reinforcing their stance that the Senegal international is not readily available.

The decision is particularly significant given that Palace had already turned down two approaches from Galatasaray for Sarr this summer.

The London club have therefore resisted interest from two major suitors despite the growing pressure of the closing days of the transfer window.

Sarr’s importance to Palace is understandable. The winger enjoyed a highly productive campaign last season, scoring 21 goals and helping the club secure the Europa Conference League title.

His form has made him one of Palace’s most valuable attacking players, while his pace and versatility offer manager Pierre Sage an important option across the frontline.

Liverpool’s interest in Sarr is also not entirely new.

The Reds first explored the possibility of signing him in 2020, when he was playing for Watford. Liverpool eventually moved for Diogo Jota instead, with the Portuguese forward going on to become an important part of the club’s attack.

Six years later, Liverpool have returned to the Senegalese winger as they attempt to reshape their attack.

The move comes during a particularly active period for Liverpool, who are seeking to add attacking quality before the transfer window closes.

The club are also continuing discussions over Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, while their pursuit of Minteh has effectively ended following Brighton’s increased valuation.

Liverpool initially believed a deal for Minteh could be completed for around £50 million, but Brighton’s valuation subsequently rose to approximately £80 million.

That development pushed the Merseyside club towards alternative targets, with Sarr emerging as a more immediate option.

The Ismaila Sarr Liverpool bid therefore represents a late twist in Liverpool’s recruitment plans rather than an isolated move.

For Palace, the timing creates an obvious dilemma. The club could command a substantial fee for a player approaching his peak years, but selling Sarr with only days remaining in the window would leave limited time to secure an adequate replacement.

That factor could prove crucial if Liverpool return with an improved offer.

Recent reports indicate that Palace are reluctant to sell Sarr, while the club have also previously rejected a £26 million proposal from Galatasaray.

Sarr’s existing contract also gives Palace leverage. He still has three years remaining on his deal, allowing the club to resist pressure for a sale unless an offer meets their valuation.

Liverpool, meanwhile, must decide whether to increase their proposal or pursue another option as the transfer deadline approaches.

The £50 million bid has already been rejected, but the situation remains fluid. With Liverpool still searching for attacking reinforcements and Sarr reportedly open to the move, another approach cannot be ruled out.

For now, though, Palace’s message is clear: the club intend to keep one of their most influential attacking players.

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The coming days will determine whether Liverpool can change that position with a substantially improved offer or whether Sarr remains at Selhurst Park for another season.