Sarr needs time to process collapse of Liverpool move

What the report says

Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage says forward Ismaila Sarr will need time to come to terms with the collapse of his late-window move to Liverpool. The BBC Sport report says Sarr, who was Palace’s leading scorer last season, had been linked with Anfield but ultimately stayed at Selhurst Park when the transfer did not materialize.

Sage said the Senegal international had a strong chance to join a club of Liverpool’s stature, but that the situation now requires patience. He indicated Palace believe Sarr can move forward by focusing on another productive season with the team, while acknowledging that disappointment is part of the process. The club has not given a detailed update on Sarr’s longer-term plans.

The 28-year-old has not yet played for Palace this season because of a groin injury, missing Premier League defeats at Everton and at home to Manchester City. He is also set to miss Saturday’s trip to Fulham. That adds another layer of uncertainty for Palace, who are trying to manage both his fitness and his response to the failed transfer.

BBC Sport also noted Palace were in discussions with Lyon winger Malick Fofana on deadline day, but he chose a move to Sunderland instead. The broader context is that Palace are still shaping their attacking options after a busy end to the transfer window, while Fulham are also looking for their first league points of the season.